On Thursday Derby High School senior Kennedy Brown became the ninth Kansas player to become a McDonald’s All-American and the first since Wichita Heights’ Perry Ellis.

But most importantly, she is the first female McDonald’s All-American from the area.

A lot of times after the rosters come out, there is always a little bit of speculation. I can guarantee you that after this McDonald’s All-American game, Kennedy Brown will be a household name.

Brown is a 6-foot-6 center with the mobility of a wing and the shooting touch of a guard.

There have been a lot of great basketball players to come out of Kansas schools, but what sets Brown apart is her dominance and history. She has been invited to all of the best camps, played in front of all the best coaches, been offered by the best programs.

But I bet if you ask her what her favorite memory of basketball is she will tell you winning the championship last year in Class 6A.

My take on Kennedy Brown is she is a modern-day Jhasmin Bowen, a Wichita Heights grad who led the Falcons to three straight 6A championships with the same long body and the ability to rebound.

I think Brown definitely has a lot of upside and I think that is what drew the coaches’ interest in her — she is a complete player who, no matter how many double and triple teams are thrown at her, she never gets knocked off her game.

With just just 12 guaranteed games left, I expect the Panthers and Brown to push their undefeated record to 25-0 and win another Class 6A state championship.