Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding
performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close
out the 2025-26 season by naming the top player in each state.
Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in
addition to local and state accolades.
Kelan Gruver of
Bonner Springs is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Kansas High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 senior guard led the Braves to a 27-1 record and their first state championship since 1984.
For the season, Gruver averaged 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 53.7 percent from the field, 45.5 percent from 3-point range and 81.6 percent from the free throw line.
MaxPreps Kansas Player of the Year Kelan Gruver knocked down 85 3-pointers during his championship-winning senior campaign. (PHOTO: Mike Cerny)
In a 53-50 victory over Kapaun Mt. Carmel (Wichita) in the state title game, Gruver had 21 points and four rebounds. He also piled up 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 76-61 semifinal win against West (Topeka).
Gruver established a new career-high in the first game of his senior campaign as he poured in 37 points in an 89-82 win over Lansing (Kansas). He finished his career just shy of 1,500 points.
Each
state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in
the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released in
April. Past selections include 2026 NBA All-Stars Karl Anthony-Towns
(2014), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015),
Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Cade Cunningham (2019, 2020), Kevin Durant
(2006), Jalen Duren (2021), Anthony Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016),
Chet Holmgren (2020, 2021), Brandon Ingram (2015), Jalen Johnson
(2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019) and Norman Powell (2011).
Past MaxPreps Kansas Players of the Year
2019-20 – Xavier Bell, Central (Andover)
2020-21 – Kennedy Chandler, Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire)
2021-22 – Gradey Dick / Mark Mitchell, Sunrise Christian Academy
2022-23 – Matas Buzelis, Sunrise Christian Academy
2023-24 – Ja'Corey Robinson, Highland Park (Topeka)
2024-25 – Keaton Wagler, Shawnee Mission Northwest (Shawnee Mission)
