Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2024-25 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.
Keaton Wagler of
Shawnee Mission Northwest (Shawnee Mission) is the 2024-25 Kansas MaxPreps Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6 senior guard led the Cougars to a 22-3 record and their second consecutive Class 6A state championship.
For the season, Wagler averaged 18.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 58.5 percent from the field, 44.8 percent from 3-point range and 83.0 percent from the free throw line.
Kansas Player of the Year Keaton Wagler helped Shawnee Mission Northwest go 47-3 over the past two seasons with a pair of state titles. (PHOTO: Mike Cerny)
In a 63-56 victory over Olathe North (Olathe) in the state
championship game, Wagler contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and three
steals. Against the same team in January, he set new career-highs with 32 points and 13 rebounds in a 64-60 victory.
Regarded as a top 150 prospect in the Class of 2025 according to
247Sports, Wagler signed with Illinois over offers from Colorado State, DePaul, Florida International, Minnesota, Oral Roberts, Saint Louis, Tulsa and Wichita State among others.
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 April 8. Past selections include 2023-24 All-NBA picks Devin Booker (2014), Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Anthony Davis (2011), Kevin Durant (2006), Anthony Edwards (2019) and Jayson Tatum (2014, 2015, 2016).
Past Kansas MaxPreps Players of the Year2019-20 – 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)
