STATE TOURNAMENT: Class 6A top shooters in Wichita

Israel Potoczny

March 10, 2019 @ 12:29 PM

WICHITA, Kan. — The Kansas 6A state championships saw a host of standout players make a name for themselves on the biggest stage in Wichita. Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the top perimeter shooters who raised their profile in the state championships in Wichita. 24-Tor’e Alford, 5’8, G, 2019, Derby A guard who does a bit of everything for Derby. Alford gets buckets, rebounds, runs the floor and forces turnovers. She is also an excellent passer and threw some of the sharpest dimes of the night. She keeps the pace alive and pushes the ball and knows when to pull it back and run the offense. Another talented player for Debry with experience and control, Alford knocked down four 3-pointers, going 4 for 5 from behind the 3-point arc and added five assists in the third place game on Saturday. 15-Gracie Davis, 5’5, G, 2019, Olathe East A strong guard with good hands and a creative nature. Davis has a nose for the basket and can find space and score inside. She has the handles to play strong in one-on-one situations and can find her way to the basket and finish after contact. Also a strong defender who jumps passing lanes. Davis put together a strong game in the Hawks’ only contest in Wichita, scoring 15 points and was 6 for 8 from the field and 2 for 2 from the 3-point line. 33-Sarah Gueldner, 5’9, G/F, 2019, Olathe Northwest One of the best all-around players in Kansas’ 6A, Gueldner brings an all-around game to the floor, capable of handling the ball and creating her own shot, and can also knock down perimeter shots. Gueldner knocked down five 3-pointers in the Cougars’ opening game, going 5 for 9 from behind the arc, en route to a game-high 31 points. After a tough semifinal game in a loss to Topeka, Gueldner knocked down six 3-pointers on Saturday and scored 22 points. 3-Aliyah Myers, 5’7, G, 2019, Derby A great team player who passes, handles the ball and looks to score. Myers has a good feel for the floor. Another experienced player for Derby who handles pressure well and can score big in important moments. She scores when she needs to and plays just as hard on defense as she does on offense. Myers scored 20 points, including knocking down five 3-pointers in Friday’s semifinal loss to Washburn Rural. 22-Elizabeth Thomas, 5’6, G, 2020, Olathe Northwest A smart guard who shoots well from several feet behind the 3-point line. She has good instincts with the ball and moves well after setting screens and can come off screens well. She leads by example and is given the nod to create for herself. Thomas put together a strong game in Saturday’s third-place game against Derby, scoring 13 points, including 3 for 5 performance from behind the 3-point arc.