Robert's Top 5 Pre-Season 1A D I All-State Picks

The two divisions within the 1A classification show some interesting movement of schools heading into the 2026 season. 1A D I saw Oxford, Washington County, Rawlins County and Northern Heights move up the 2A. Sliding down into their places are Hill City, Pleasanton, Sylvan-Lucas and Wabaunsee. I am unable to list movement between the two 1A divisions due to the unavailability of information. KSHSAA's <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/General/Classifications.cfm">2025-2026 Classifications and Enrollments</a> only offers an attempt to estimate. Official basketball 1A breakdowns have yet to be released. Given the changes I described, here is a positional look at my top five pre-season, all-state picks. Two are drawn from the toughest 1A league in the state, the Twin Valley. Three are from teams that locked up the top three spots at the 1A state tournament last season. Two repeat as my all-state picks.    Fresh off a four-peat as a state volleyball champion Feldman and company lost to Centralia for the basketball title a year ago. Much has been written about the Fort Hays State commit and unanimous first team all-state selection. Feldman has the most complete game in the classification. She poured in 19.3 points a game while shooting 36% from three and 75% from the line. She also added 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 3.4 steals and 1.5 blocks. At just shy of 900 points scored she could end her career in 1,300 territory.     The Trojans locked up third place at state last season and, with Whetstine racking up points, have a great shot to return. Whetstine is sitting at more than 1,300 points scored and averaged 27 per game last season. She shot 29% from three point land and 77% from the line. Whetstine also contributed 6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 6.9 steals. Dangerous in transition, she handles the ball well at speed; sees the floor well; and finishes with athleticism.     The Charger 2A all-stater and Flint Hills League first teamer is primed for a big season after dropping a sub-state final to go to state last year. Her frame, length and strength alone cause problems around the glass but add in her fluid play, transition ability and willing defense Orton will wear opponents out on both ends.     Wurtz is one of the most complete players in the classification and has poured in more than 1,200 points in her career. Last season he averaged 22.8 points, a whopping 42% from three and 85% from the line. She also picked up 5.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3.8 steals. Wurtz gets things going on drives, finishing at speed and through contact. Among the class's top sprinters and jumpers those abilities show her strength and inability of defenders to stop her. The consensus first team all-state pick is driving to finish her career as a four-time Twin Valley League first team selection.     Gibbs and the Panthers took down Little River for the state title last year and are among the favorites to ship it this year. With her size, length, quickness and speed she is a walking mismatch for nearly every team. Her play last year earned her multiple all-state team selections and first team Twin Valley League.

The two divisions within the 1A classification show some interesting movement of schools heading into the 2026 season. 1A D I saw Oxford, Washington County, Rawlins County and Northern Heights move up the 2A. Sliding down into their places are Hill City, Pleasanton, Sylvan-Lucas and Wabaunsee. I am unable to list movement between the two 1A divisions due to the unavailability of information. KSHSAA's 2025-2026 Classifications and Enrollments only offers an attempt to estimate. Official basketball 1A breakdowns have yet to be released. Given the changes I described, here is a positional look at my top five pre-season, all-state picks. Two are drawn from the toughest 1A league in the state, the Twin Valley. Three are from teams that locked up the top three spots at the 1A state tournament last season. Two repeat as my all-state picks.