Friday Night Flex: The Best Performers in the Biggest Games

It feels like Kansas might be saving the best for last this season. As the regular season winds down, every game carries a little more weight, and the top players tend to rise to the moment. Friday night was no exception, as a handful of names from around the state proved to be the difference in some of the biggest matchups. Let's take a closer look at those players and how they impacted the state's marquee games.    There's a reason Riedel has been picked by many as the player of the year in the state, regardless of class. He led Mill Valley to a statement victory over the top team in Kansas, Shawnee Mission South. Reece set the tone early, using his versatility to defend multiple positions and force turnovers, which allowed him to push the pace in transition. As a finisher, he leveraged his body effectively, creating contact at the rim and converting consistently. His perimeter shooting remained a huge weapon, knocking down deep shots against multiple defensive looks — whether off the catch or by creating space off the dribble. On top of that, he showcased his vision and playmaking, orchestrating nearly every big play and making his presence felt in every facet of the game.     In an era where the game has shifted toward a perimeter-oriented attack, it's increasingly rare to see a player dominate in the painted area — but that's exactly what Stucky did on Friday night. Whether working with his back to the basket, facing up, or crashing the offensive glass, he controlled the paint for much of the game, leading Maize South to a huge win over Derby. His size and strength proved overwhelming for the Panthers, and he consistently imposed his will on both ends of the floor. Stucky's ability to create space and play through contact was on display, and he remained patient and resourceful as he battled multiple defenders at times. When the game came down to the wire, he made the plays that mattered most, powering his team to victory.     There may not be a more improved lead guard in the state this season than Batiste, especially when you consider everything he's done to enhance his body and explosiveness. That improvement was seen firsthand against Derby, where he served as the other side of the Mavericks' attack, perfectly complementing Stucky. Batiste played with a consistent edge throughout the game, using his size and strength to attack the paint and absorb contact. He generated timely offense and made plays with the ball in his hands, while his outside shooting came through when it mattered most. And, as always, his vision and passing ability were on display, creating opportunities for his teammates and keeping the Derby defense off balance.     DeVader's impact against Silver Lake was both unique and impressive. His scoring kept St. Marys in the game late and pushed the contest into overtime, showing his ability to make plays in crunch time and embrace the pressure of high-stakes possessions. His shooting was his biggest weapon, as he knocked down three after three seemingly without pause. He was incredibly difficult to defend, using screens, smart spacing, and a tight handle to create separation. With a quick gather and release, it was nearly impossible for Silver Lake's defenders to stay with him all evening. While his team ultimately came up short, DeVader did everything in his power to try to secure the win.     It's hard to believe what Blue Valley North has become over the past few weeks. While many expected them to be a factor in the 6A race, they're now playing at one of the top levels in the state. In a dominant win over Blue Valley Northwest, multiple players contributed, but Colton stood out. His size and mobility proved difficult for the Huskies to match. Nichols consistently attacked the rim while also showcasing a diverse offensive game, mixing in tough fadeaways and long-range shots to keep defenders off balance. He also capitalized on smaller guards and wings by getting to the free-throw line at a high rate throughout the game. Colton's performance was crucial in securing Blue Valley North's big win.     Blue Valley North jumped all over Blue Valley Northwest early, and Davis was a huge factor in setting the tone. There was no one on the floor who could match up with him as he consistently attacked the rim and finished over smaller defenders. Playing with his back to the basket out of the mid-post, he used his size to establish deep position or slowly back down defenders while reading help rotations. Davis showcased a variety of scoring moves, hitting fadeaways and touch shots from all over the floor, and he effectively drew multiple defenders to create wide-open looks for his teammates. His ability to handle the ball in transition and full-court situations made it difficult for the Huskies to focus on him, as he could score or create depending on the defensive look. There's a reason he's considered one of the top names in the state, regardless of class.     No question, Simmons was the best athlete — and the best player — on the floor throughout the contest against perennial rival Olathe East. The mark of an elite lead guard is pace and feel, and Sam checks both of those boxes. He glided up and down the court effortlessly, creating advantages seemingly at will with his ability to start, stop, and generate space from primary defenders. In transition, he could accelerate to the rim or pull up smoothly for a variety of jumpshots. When Olathe East sent extra defenders his way, he read the openings perfectly, making the right play and setting up teammates for drive-and-kick opportunities. His willingness to use his body when finishing demonstrated both skill and intelligence, showing he knows how to find space and exploit advantages. Add in his defensive intensity and relentless pursuit of the ball, and it's easy to see why Sam is both a winner and a true game-changer.     Love took over primarily in the second half against Olathe East, overwhelming the game with his size, athleticism, and quickness. He kept coming at the Hawks — whether with the ball in his hands or without it — remaining a constant scoring threat as a cutter, a lob target, or in isolation. Time and again, Love got downhill, rising up at the rim or using his strength to power through defenders around the basket. The pressure he and Simmons put on the paint in transition is something you can feel — and opposing teams definitely feel it too. It's a level of relentless attack that's hard to replicate. Cam also showcased his touch in the mid-range, knocking down shots and finishing over the top with confidence. Defensively, he brought the same intensity, making an impact both on the ball and as a help defender throughout the contest.     Ekart closed the regular season the same way he's played all year — looking like the best player on the floor and dominating the competition. Against what many considered one of Sterling's tougher opponents in Ell-Saline, the Black Bears won going away. Boston was at his best attacking off the bounce and cutting to the basket, finishing over and around a crowd of defenders. He also made his presence felt on the offensive glass, pursuing rebounds with effort and a clear willingness to outwork anyone in his path. From a size and length standpoint, there simply wasn't anyone on the floor who could match up with him — something that's been a consistent theme all season long.

It feels like Kansas might be saving the best for last this season. As the regular season winds down, every game carries a little more weight, and the top players tend to rise to the moment. Friday night was no exception, as a handful of names from around the state proved to be the difference in some of the biggest matchups. Let's take a closer look at those players and how they impacted the state's marquee games.