Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2020-21 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.
Kennedy Chandler of
Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire) is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Kansas High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound senior guard helped the Buffaloes finish the regular season with a 19-3 record and the No. 3 national ranking in this week's MaxPreps Top 25.
In 13 games of National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) play this season, Chandler averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 steals per contest while shooting 57 percent from the field, 50 percent from beyond the arc and 94 percent from the free throw line.
A Tennessee native, Chandler transferred from Briarcrest Christian following the 2019-2020 season. He earned Mr. Basketball honors in the state as a sophomore and junior.
Signed with Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers, Chandler is regarded as the No. 13 prospect in the Class of 2022 overall according to 247Sports. The McDonald's All-American also entertained offers from Duke, Florida State, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan and North Carolina.
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 13.
Kennedy Chandler has led Sunrise Christian Academy to arguably its best season in program history.
Photo by Annette Wilkerson
