Kansas State Tournament Recap — Meet the MOPs From Each Class

The state tournaments in Kansas have officially wrapped up, with Olathe North, Bonner Springs, Baldwin, Wichita Collegiate, Sterling, Hanover, and Beloit-St. John's all taking home state titles. Each of these teams showed balance and strong production from top to bottom, but they were also led by players who consistently produced at a high level and stepped up in the biggest moments.   Below, I'll highlight my most outstanding players from each class and break down why these guys stood out as the best of the best during the state tournament.   6A State Championship Game   Olathe North 67, Shawnee Mission South 50   Most Outstanding Player   Teke Deng | 6'11" Forward | Olathe North   Although it's a tough choice given the talent on the roster, it's hard to argue that Teke Deng wasn't the best player on the floor in Wichita for the Eagles. While [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']. and [player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'] both had their moments — especially Simmons, who was a major catalyst with the ball in his hands — it was Deng who consistently controlled the game's biggest areas.   He completely dominated the semifinal matchup against Mill Valley and had similar stretches in the championship game where he made major impact plays on both ends of the floor against Shawnee Mission South. Deng controlled the game around the rim with his ability to score inside while also protecting it defensively. Time and time again, he either blocked, changed, or altered shots, making life extremely difficult for opponents trying to finish in the paint.   In the semifinal, Deng put together one of the most impressive performances of the tournament, finishing with 25 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocks. He followed that up with another strong outing in the title game, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while also making several high-energy plays that helped fuel the Eagles on both ends.   This Eagles team may go down as one of the most talented overall rosters in recent memory, and Deng's presence in the middle was a huge part of that success as he helped lead the group to a state championship.   5A State Championship Game   Bonner Springs 53, Kapaun Mt. Carmel 50   Most Outstanding Player   [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] | 6'2" Guard | Bonner Springs   It was fitting that perhaps the best leader in the tournament also turned out to be its best player. [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver']'s demeanor and leadership have been at the center of everything Bonner Springs accomplished this season. Night after night, he carries himself with a calm confidence, always under control and fully embracing the responsibility that comes with essentially being an extension of the coaching staff on the floor.   Gruver powered an impressive offensive attack for Bonner Springs throughout the postseason, consistently setting the pace with his decision-making and playmaking. He also saved some of his best performances for the biggest moments. In the semifinal against Topeka West, he erupted for 32 points, and he followed that up with 21 points in the state championship game against Kapaun, including a huge go-ahead three late that helped seal the victory.   Time and again, Kelan made the critical plays the Braves needed while also empowering the teammates around him. There were moments where he attacked the rim and finished through contact, and others where he caught fire from beyond the arc. But his impact goes well beyond scoring. Gruver's ability to facilitate, create opportunities, and keep everyone involved was just as important to Bonner Springs' success.   In every sense, he embodies what it means to be a leader and a winner — and now he can add state champion to that list.   4A State Championship Game   Baldwin 66, Rock Creek 60   Most Outstanding Player   [player_tooltip player_id='2403183' first='Leo' last='Schoenberger'] | 6'5" Wing | Baldwin   While Baldwin received big performances from several players throughout the state tournament, it was Schoenberger who ultimately led the way. After erupting for 29 points in a 20-point semifinal win over previously undefeated Atchison, Leo followed that up with another strong performance in the championship game. He once again led the Bulldogs in scoring, finishing with 19 points in the title matchup against another undefeated team in Rock Creek.   His size and length were major factors all postseason long, both inside the paint, in transition and on the perimeter. That versatility continued to pay huge dividends for the Bulldogs, especially in their final two games. Schoenberger drew a lot of attention which would also open up areas for his teammates to be aggressive and attack.   Beyond the scoring, his effort and energy were consistent factors too. From diving on the floor for loose balls to battling for rebounds in traffic, Leo led by example. Down the stretch, he became the engine behind Baldwin's attack, delivering some of his most productive performances as the stakes grew higher and the games got bigger. By the end of the journey, his leadership and play helped guide the Bulldogs all the way to their first state championship in program history.   3A State Championship Game   Wichita Collegiate 55, Burlington 42   Most Outstanding Player   [player_tooltip player_id='2209780' first='Sebastian' last='Hines-Turner'] | 6'4" Wing | Wichita Collegiate   Hines-Turner was the clear standout of the 3A tournament and, quite simply, the best athlete on the floor each night. When the moments got bigger, his level of play seemed to rise right along with them. He continually delivered for a team that dominated the competition all season long.   Sebastian put up huge numbers throughout the state tournament, but his performance in the state title game was the icing on top. He finished off his high school career with 33 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in a dominant showing. The turning point came in the third quarter, when he completely took control of the game. He put the Spartans on his shoulders and erupted for 17 points in the quarter alone, swinging momentum firmly in his team's favor and really extinguishing any hopes Burlington may have had.   His ability to score both inside and out created consistent problems for Burlington's defense. Whether he was attacking the basket, finishing through contact, or knocking down shots from the perimeter, Hines-Turner forced the defense to account for him at all times. His versatility would be the difference on both ends as we saw Collegiate take home their first state title since 2016.   2A State Championship Game   Sterling 59, Berean Academy 49   Most Outstanding Player   [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] | 6'6" Wing | Sterling   Anytime you have a program as dominant as Sterling has been over the past couple of years, it usually comes down to a combination of strong culture and a core group of talented players. But make no mistake — [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] has been the catalyst for those teams and has consistently played at a high level for a long time.   This year's state tournament was no different, as Boston once again proved to be the best player on the floor. In the semifinal against St. Marys, he poured in 33 points and grabbed seven rebounds, showcasing his ability to attack the rim while also stretching the defense with efficient shooting from beyond the arc. His length and athleticism allowed him to play above the rim and constantly put pressure on defenders throughout the game.   In the championship game, he faced arguably his toughest opponent of the season in Berean Academy. Berean's defense had been strong all year, consistently making life difficult for opposing teams. But once again, Ekart delivered when it mattered most. He finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, willing the Black Bears to their second state championship in as many years.   All season long, he faced a variety of defensive looks and different defenders, yet he consistently found ways to adjust and make and play effectively. There's no question that Ekart has established himself as one of the best players in the state, regardless of class.   1A DII State Championship Game   Hanover 66, Axtell 60   Most Outstanding Player(s)   Braylon Meyn | 6'2" Guard | Hanover   Cooper Bruna | 5'11" Guard | Hanover   While Hanover received contributions from across the roster during the state tournament — and there were several players I could have highlighted — I ultimately went with Braylon Meyn and Cooper Bruna. Meyn has been the unquestioned leader of the group all season long, consistently scoring at a high rate throughout both the regular season and the postseason.   During the state tournament, though, it was the combination of Meyn and Bruna that would lead the Wildcats. Hanover handled Deerfield and Lebo in relatively comfortable fashion on the way to the title game, but the championship matchup against Axtell was a completely different challenge.   For most of the night, the two teams traded baskets and momentum, making every possession matter. Bruna's scoring proved to be a major factor, as he finished with 22 points and knocked down several key shots from the perimeter. His ability to stretch the floor gave Hanover a big boost, especially when the defense would shrink.   Meanwhile, Meyn turned in another steady, all-around performance. He finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, continuing to do what he had done all season — provide value in multiple ways. Beyond the numbers, Meyn's ability to make the right basketball play and trust his teammates would also prove to be invaluable.   Together, the combination of Meyn's leadership and all-around impact with Bruna's timely scoring proved to be the difference, helping Hanover pull through a tough championship game and walk away as state champions.   1A DI State Championship Game   Beloit-St. John's 57, South Central 53   Most Outstanding Player   [player_tooltip player_id='2211372' first='Edward' last='Horinek'] | 6'1" Guard | Beloit-St. John's   In a tournament — and especially a state title game — that featured several standout names and impressive performances, Horinek stood out as the top player on the best team. When the biggest stage arrived, Edward delivered.   He finished the championship game as the leading scorer with 25 points, playing a major role in Beloit-St. John's offensive success. His outside shooting was particularly crucial, as he knocked down four three-pointers throughout the game. Each one highlighted both his range and his confidence, as he never hesitated to let it fly when he found space beyond the arc.   As the best player on the floor, Horinek helped guide his team on both ends. He was especially effective when the ball was in his hands, making smart decisions and creating opportunities while keeping the offense moving. His ability to step up in key moments and provide consistent scoring made him a central reason Beloit-St. John's was able to come away with the championship.

The state tournaments in Kansas have officially wrapped up, with Olathe North, Bonner Springs, Baldwin, Wichita Collegiate, Sterling, Hanover, and Beloit-St. John's all taking home state titles. Each of these teams showed balance and strong production from top to bottom, but they were also led by players who consistently produced at a high level and stepped up in the biggest moments.