Top Ranked Players at 5A State

<p>It doesn’t take star players to make the state tournament. But it sure doesn’t hurt.</p> <p>Some of the best players in Kansas will gather in Emporia for the 5A state tournament, which tips off Wednesday.</p> <p>Here’s a look at Prep Hoops’ top-ranked players who will be in Emporia for 5A state:</p> <p>2023 #1 [player_tooltip player_id="1080159" first="Will" last="Anciaux"], 6-foot-6 forward, Kapaun:</p> <p>A top football prospect, Anciaux is holding on to the top spot in the 2023 class for the time being. He’s a beast in the paint and can run the floor with the best of big men. He has nice ball skills and body control in transition. The talented and deep Crusaders also bring the #11 and #12 players in the 2024 class, twins [player_tooltip player_id="1270287" first="Will" last="Thengvall"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1270288" first="Nate" last="Thengvall"], and #28 in the 2022 class, [player_tooltip player_id="1075927" first="Henry" last="Thengvall"]. That’s some serious length, athleticism and depth.</p> <p>2023 #4 [player_tooltip player_id="1080176" first="Avery" last="Johnson"], 6-foot-2 guard, Maize:</p> <p>If you want to check out one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation on the hardwood, here’s your chance. Johnson led the Eagles to a basketball title as a sophomore, and there’s no reason to think they won’t be right back at it again. Johnson teams with [player_tooltip player_id="946254" first="Kyle" last="Grill"], the #29 player in 2022, to form a long, skilled backcourt. They combine for about 27 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7 assists. They’ve got a big man in [player_tooltip player_id="891928" first="Mason" last="Belcher"], 2022 #81.</p> <p>2024 #6 [player_tooltip player_id="1270268" first="David" last="Cobin"], 5-foot-10 guard, DeSoto:</p> <p>Cobin hasn’t been overmatched by the older competition all season, so don’t look for him to shy away from the spotlight at Emporia. He’s a tough ball handler who makes plays in transition and knows how to run the point. He’s joined by 2022 #48 [player_tooltip player_id="1076396" first="Cole" last="James"], a long rim protector for DeSoto.</p> <p>2022 #9 [player_tooltip player_id="946269" first="Sam" last="Somerhalder"], 6-foot-7 forward, St. James (pictured):</p> <p>The long slasher gets to the bucket with the best of them. He’s averaging 19 points and 6.5 rebounds and is a mismatch for just about everyone. He’s not the only ranked player for the Thunder to turn to: 2023 #39 [player_tooltip player_id="1146272" first="Brian" last="Hawthorne"] is a big guard who can shoot it, and 2022 #82 [player_tooltip player_id="946261" first="Garrett" last="Lynch"] is a rebounding monster.</p> <p>2022 #13 [player_tooltip player_id="1076260" first="Elijah" last="Brooks"], 6-foot-4 guard, Topeka West:</p> <p>If you were going to a name an MVP for the state, Brooks’ name would have to be up there. He is the primary returner from the 5A runner up, and he’s had a dominant season against all challengers. He can get to the rim at will, can get his shot off against just about any defender, and does everything else too. Brooks is joined in the rankings by 2023 #49 [player_tooltip player_id="1080200" first="Sincere" last="Austin"] and 2022 #101 [player_tooltip player_id="1195609" first="Zander" last="Putthoff"].</p> <p>2023 #13 [player_tooltip player_id="1300865" first="Ketraleus" last="Aldridge"], 6-foot-4 forward, Highland Park:</p> <p>All the players on this list are great athletes. But this guy might be on another level. He can run and leap, and attacks the rim with ferocity. He can handle it and shoot it too, but his explosiveness is what jumps out. He might be the most exciting player at Emporia. He’s joined in the rankings by 2022 #55 [player_tooltip player_id="1076400" first="Juan’Tario" last="Roberts"] and 2023 #76 [player_tooltip player_id="1378392" first="Jahmir" last="Kingcannon"].</p> <p>2022 #18 [player_tooltip player_id="946258" first="Jinwoo" last="Kim"], 6-foot-3 guard, Blue Valley Southwest:</p> <p>The top of the rankings is so tight, it’s kind of hard to believe that Kim is only at 18. He’s always under control with the ball, has great explosion, and body control. He’s good for 14 points and gets his teammates involved. One of those teammates is 2022 #35 [player_tooltip player_id="1076397" first="Sebastian" last="Hamm"].</p> <p>2023 #41 [player_tooltip player_id="1080196" first="Kaeden" last="Bonner"], 6-foot-1 guard, Seaman:</p> <p>The surprise team at 5A is the Seaman Vikings, who rely on a diverse and talented backcourt trio. Bonner, a dynamic shooter, teams with 2022s #62 [player_tooltip player_id="889508" first="Ty" last="Henry"] and #84 [player_tooltip player_id="891929" first="Mateo" last="Hyman"] to light it up for the Vikings.</p>