In the past three seasons the Centennial League has claimed a 6A state championship (Washburn Rural, 2019), a undefeated “Forever Four” member (Topeka, 2020), and the runner-up in 2019 and 2021 (Topeka). It also has seen Topeka Seaman reach the 5A quarterfinals twice (2019 and 2021) and the 2020 “Forever Four”. The league is loaded with returning talent that will be driving teams to continue that success. Beginning with the returning all-leaguers, enjoy this deep dive look at the many returning and up and coming players.
First Team
NiJaree Canady
NiJaree
Canady
6'0" | SF
Topeka | 2022
#58
Nation
KS
, 6’0″, C, Topeka, 2022 – The two-time first team and returning player of the year also was on every 6A all-state team I saw. She returns for another run at what has been an elusive state title. The Stanford Cardinal softball commit’s size, strength, and confidence has long made her an automatic double-double. What makes all of those traits so effective is her quick feet. Catching a entry pass within eight of the basket she can put together a number of moves to finish and, on a miss, clean up the glass for the put back. Her 25 point 12 rebound performance in last year’s championship loss is evidence enough of her production.
Emma Krueger
Emma
Krueger
5'9" | CG
Washburn Rural | 2022
State
KS
, 5’9″, CG, Washburn Rural, 2022 – The Grand Canyon University commit was a two-time second team selection before reaching the first team last season. She was also a Sports In Kansas 6A state tournament team selection as a freshman. Physical, lengthy, athletic and graced with good hops on the finish, there are many reasons why teams will have difficulty matching up with her on both ends of the floor. She is heady, scores well in transition as well as off the bounce and from her quick release three.
Gracie Gilpin Gracie Gilpin 5'6" | PG Emporia | 2022 State KS , 5’6″, PG, Emporia, 2021 – D II offers. 2022 Centennial League honorable mention. Shoots quickly off the catch and sets her feet well from three point range. Shows good quickness and control with the ball. 1.28.20 Israel – She is at her best shooting from outside, operating as a stop-and-pop player and a catch-and-shoot one. She is a strong decision maker and brings overall toughness to the floor. Solid defensively and has good handles.
Brooklyn Deleye
Brooklyn
Deleye
6'2" | PF
Washburn Rural | 2023
State
KS
, 6’2″, PF, Washburn Rural, 2023 – University of Kentucky volleyball commit not just stepped up to the first team from the previous season’s second team honors but Delete also earned a KBCA 6A honorable mention nod. With size, athleticism, and a solid skill set look for Deleye to be a major part of the Lady Blues push for a state title.
Kiara Smith
Kiara
Smith
5'7" | SG
Topeka | 2023
State
KS
, Topeka, 5’7″, SG, Topeka, 2023 – “KiKi” Smith has been a key figure in Topeka’s state tournament runs the last two seasons and has earned KBCA 6A first team honors to go with Centennial League first team. Among the highest percentage three point shooters in the state during that span, Smith’s speed and scoring creates space for her teammates to get to the rim as well as free up opportunities for Canady.
Second Team
Zoe Canfield
Zoe
Canfield
5'11" | PF
Washburn Rural | 2024
State
KS
, 5’10″, CG, Washburn Rural, 2024 – Canfield is a solid all-around player with length and speed who can play the stretch four as well as guard spots. The Lady Blues like to get the ball into the open court and Canfield is always in the mix distributing or finishing in the transition game.
Taylin Stallbaumer
Taylin
Stallbaumer
5'7" | CG
Seaman | 2024
State
KS
, 5’7″, PG, Seaman, 2024 – At Seaman’s quarterfinal 5A playoff loss at Salina Central last March Stallbaumer showed serious speed and quickness with the ball and as a defender. Her talents work with well with her lengthy, solid frame. Expect her to be the team floor leader for seasons to come and to be a primary reason why Seaman looks to make another post-season run.
Carly Stuke Carly Stuke 5'8" | CG Hayden | 2022 State KS , 5’8″, SF, Hayden, 2022 – A perimeter shooter with good range and a quick release, Stuke is an important perimeter presence for the Wildcats. She also is very aggressive on both ends of the floor using her quickness, toughness, and athleticism to gather boards and finish around the hoop on both sides of the basket. Hayden is a legitimate threat to reach the state tournament.
Featured image: Seaman 2024
Taylin Stallbaumer
Taylin
Stallbaumer
5'7" | CG
Seaman | 2024
State
KS
drives the baseline against Salina Central. Photo: Robert Kelly.
