Kansas’ Top 15 in 2027 — End-of-Summer Rankings, Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With summer now coming to an end and school back in session, it's a great time to reset the landscape across the state of Kansas and look at where players currently stand in my opinion. I'll start with the class of 2027, taking a look at some of the best players in the state and revealing my top fifteen in the class heading into the fall. I'll break down each player, examining the summers they had, how they performed, and how everything sets up for them and their respective teams this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>15. [player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'] | 6'4" Guard | Maize South</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no question that Batiste belongs with some of the top names in the state, and you can immediately pick up that he's one of the harder workers in the region. His physical development has been more than noticeable; he's added size, strength, and athleticism to his frame over the past year. After a strong summer that allowed him to play both on and off the ball at times, you're beginning to see a more well-rounded guard who can initiate offense and break down primary defenders while also playing off the catch as both a capable shooter and downhill attacking threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has a herky-jerky type of movement with the ball and doesn't mind playing with a level of physicality or embracing contact. His size should also allow him to find success as a defender, checking multiple positions and walling off guards when they try to slash or get to the rim. Those physical tools, combined with his ability to operate in different roles, give him a versatile skill set that should translate well as his responsibilities continue to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Cy Stucky now moved on to the next level, you can expect to see an even higher usage rate from Jalen this winter. That added responsibility should give him an opportunity to showcase just how much his game has developed, especially with the ball in his hands and his ability to create for himself and others. If he continues on the trajectory we've seen, Batiste should be the driving force behind the Mavericks and will be counted on to lead them as far as they can go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>14. Benjamin Passila | 6'6" Wing | Sunrise Christian</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Passila is a name that many across Kansas don't recognize yet, but definitely will in due time as he makes his way to Sunrise this fall, continuing the international recruiting that has helped drive the Buffaloes in previous years. Benji should provide length and shooting off the wing, coming from Finland, where he was able to crack the rotation for the country's U18 squad. Known for his long-range shooting ability, his length and activity have also shown up on the glass and defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He also plays with a surprising level of athleticism in the open floor, often skying above the rim in transition. That combination of size, shooting, and athleticism makes him another interesting piece for Sunrise, and he certainly has the tools to attract attention from notable programs around the region and across the country. Expect Passila to make a name for himself quickly as he adjusts to his new surroundings and the level of competition he'll face at Sunrise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>13. Valdis Valters | 6'3" Guard | Sunrise Christian</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another international player to check out at Sunrise this winter, Valters could end up much higher on this list by next spring. He brings a lot of craftiness and moxie to the point guard position, playing with a quick and decisive style with the ball in his hands. He's capable of breaking down primary defenders quickly off the bounce and consistently puts pressure on the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He also plays with good footwork around the rim, using pivots to create space when he gets to two feet. He can stretch the floor as a perimeter shooter both off the bounce and off the catch, showing a quick and deep left-handed stroke. With his ability to create off the bounce and knock down shots from deep, Valters has the tools to make a big impact at Sunrise and could see his stock rise considerably by the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His instincts offensively also show up as a cutter when he plays off the ball, finding seams in the defense and playing off his teammates well. Valdis isn't afraid to mix it up defensively either, challenging ball handlers and turning them over often. Like Passila, he gained a lot of experience playing for Latvia's U18 team, where he generated plenty of buzz with his play over the summer. He should be another intriguing piece for Sunrise as the Buffaloes add another international talent to an already deep roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>12. [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] | 6'6" Forward | Shawnee Mission South</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While it was difficult to keep Kerrigan out of the top ten, he might have had the biggest summer in terms of growth and activity on the recruiting trail in the state. His game has really grown, playing much bigger than his 6'6" frame while thriving as a glue guy on a talented [program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC'] roster. Conor can do a little bit of everything — he embraces screening, rebounding, and defending while showing a timely and unique offensive game that continues to pick up traction. He can sky above the rim as a finisher when needed, but he can also space the floor and knock down open perimeter shots as he relocates and finds space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His feel, IQ, and unselfishness make him extremely dangerous on the floor, not necessarily needing the ball in his hands to create or generate offense for himself or others. He's the type of player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, playing with a motor that never shuts off. That combination of instincts, versatility, and effort makes him the kind of player who should be able to plug and play early at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off one of the better two-year stretches in the regular season at Shawnee Mission South, he looks to take the next step this winter and push the Raiders toward the one thing that has eluded the program — a state title. With his continued development and expanded recruiting interest, Kerrigan enters the season with plenty of momentum. He currently holds offers from Indiana State, Oral Roberts, Harding, Vermont, MSU Denver, UMKC, Washburn, Rockhurst, and Northwest Missouri State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>11. Braelon Bradshaw | 6'5" Wing | Sunrise Christian</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradshaw, the talented Oklahoma native, now calls Sunrise Christian home and enters the season as another household name who should play a big part on a very deep and talented roster. This summer, Braelon showcased explosive, quick-twitch movements on both ends of the floor. He's a quick leaper who pursues the ball off the rim and can push it in transition with an underrated handle and plenty of elusiveness. His ability to move as a secondary cutter away from the ball also opened up plenty of scoring opportunities around the rim, while his ability to play downhill off the bounce might be his biggest strength at this point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, his lateral quickness and ability to protect the rim should allow Sunrise to use him as a weapon. Whether he's defending the ball or causing chaos off of it, Bradshaw has the athleticism and instincts to make an impact on that end of the floor. His versatility should be especially valuable on a roster with plenty of talent and different ways to attack opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect the Buffaloes to be strong this winter with Bradshaw firmly involved. His ability to impact the game in multiple areas should give Sunrise another piece to lean on as the season progresses, and he'll have plenty of opportunities to continue building his stock. He currently holds offers from Georgia State, Loyola, Omaha, Tarleton State, and UC Riverside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->