Who’s the Top Player in Kansas City? — Meet the DiRenna Finalists

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another year of high school basketball in the Kansas City metro area is in the books, and with it comes the DiRenna Award — given each year to the top player in the city. Five finalists are selected annually, and this year's group each brings a strong résumé and a case for the honor. Last year's award was shared by two next-level talents, Keaton Wagler of Shawnee Mission Northwest and Corbin Allen of Oak Park. This year's group looks just as impressive and will add to an already strong list of past winners, with each player having the opportunity to continue their career at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1850449"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d6ccbc7c214"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hawkins put together another impressive season as the catalyst for Pembroke Hill, averaging 23 points and seven rebounds per game. Along the way, he earned conference Player of the Year honors while helping keep the Blue Raiders competitive against some of the top teams in the area. Mav has been a familiar name around the metro for years, known for his ability to play above the rim and heat up quickly as a high-level scorer. Now, he'll take his talents to Vanderbilt, where he'll compete in the SEC against some of the best players in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2344220"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d6ccbc7c281"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Goodwin's impact goes far beyond the 1,500 career points he scored — he's been the unquestioned leader of the Benton program over the past few years. Time and again, he put the team on his back while still finding ways to bring out the best in his teammates. This season, he averaged more than 22 points per game and led the Cardinals to a 30–2 record, highlighted by a third-place finish at state, including a 40-point performance in an overtime win over Vashon. Now, he turns his attention to the next level, as he's committed to play at UMKC, joining a strong group of Kansas City-area talent headed to the Roos.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2327573"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d6ccbc7c2cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In a loaded year for 6A basketball in the state of Kansas, Riedel led Mill Valley to a third-place finish and a 24–4 record, a run that spoke to both his leadership and overall impact. He leaves as the holder of nearly every scoring record imaginable for the Jaguars. Averaging over 19 points per game, he showcased the full package as a three-level scorer and built a reputation for delivering in the clutch, consistently hitting big shots in big moments. Riedel had plenty of opportunities at the next level but chose to stay close to home, committing to play for Washburn, one of the top Division II programs in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1775703"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d6ccbc7c310"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Herbert has been a mainstay in the DiRenna Award conversation, earning finalist honors in each of the last two years. Known as one of the top shooters in the region, Eli finished this season averaging over 20 points per game to go along with more than five rebounds and four assists. With one of the smoothest and quickest releases you'll see, there's no question about his ability to score the ball from seemingly anywhere on the floor. He helped lead Grain Valley to an 18–9 record, as the Eagles showed steady improvement year after year with Eli running the show. Next up, Herbert will head to Virginia, where he'll play for Liberty in Conference USA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2958641"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d6ccbc7c350"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The best player on the best team in Kansas — and my choice for the DiRenna Award — is Simmons. He saved his best basketball for the stretch run, leading Olathe North to a state championship in dominant fashion. A quick, shifty lead guard who can change speed and direction in a blur, Sam took over games on both ends of the floor all season. He averaged over 14 points and five assists per game for the 24–4 Eagles while also earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Kansas. Simmons will now head to Richmond, where he should be a name to watch early, as he'll have a chance to make an immediate impact for the Spiders.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->