2026 Sports in Kansas All-Classes & 5A Boys 🏀Coach of the Year: Drew Gruver, Bonner Springs Drew Gruver led Bonner Springs to a 27-1 season and a 5A state championship, defeating back-to-back state champion Kapaun Mt. Carmel 53-50 in the title game. The victory marked Bonner Springs’ first boys basketball state championship since 1984. In one of the biggest wins of the season across any class, the Braves halted Kapaun’s 44-game winning streak, closing the game on a dominant defensive stretch by holding KMC scoreless over the final 2:30. Bonner Springs battled throughout before a clutch three-pointer from Sports in Kansas Top 5 All-Classes selection Kelan Gruver gave the Braves their first lead since the second quarter. Kelan, playing for his father, finished with 21 points in the championship performance. The Braves also showcased the strength of the Frontier League, splitting during the regular season with 4A state champion Baldwin in one of the toughest leagues in the state. “Every time we stepped on the court, our guys were asked to do four things, compete, defend, rebound and share the ball,” Gruver said. “Those four things were the cornerstone to our success. Our commitment to team play was unbelievable. As the saying goes, it is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit. This team really didn’t care who got the credit. They just wanted to win.” Gruver, a Scott City native, attended Scott Community High School, Garden City Community College and Northern State University. Now in his 22nd year in coaching, including 19 as a head coach, he has compiled a 188-223 record with stops at Liberal, Winfield, Clay Center, Chapman and Bonner Springs. He credits Don Meyer as a major influence on his coaching career. With a historic championship run and one of the most complete teams in the state, Gruver and Bonner Springs delivered a season that will be remembered for years to come. #sportsinkansas

Introducing the Sports in Kansas 2026 Boys Top 5 Basketball Team #sportsinkansas Sebastian Hines-Turner, Wichita Collegiate, 6’5”, Sr. Cooper Carr, Baldwin, 6’3”, Sr. Kelan Gruver, Bonner Springs, 6’3”, Sr. Reece Riedel, Mill Valley, 6’5”, Sr. Sam Simmons Jr., Olathe North, 5’11”, Sr. Boston Ekart, Sterling, 6’6”, Sr. Presented by Mammoth Watco B&D Buildings Nex-Tech Wireless Lewis Automotive Group Channel Seed Landoll Six selected due to a tie in voting.