Get to Know the ’24 class’ Final Fall Debuters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A large group of 27 players debuted in the fall 2024 class rankings update that was recently released. Having already released a look at the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/09/get-to-know-the-24-class-top-9-fall-debuters/">top nine</a> and middle nine let us take a look at the final ten. This look kicks includes a pair of players returning to defend their class 1A Division I state title, a player looking to improve upon a runner up 1A Division I finish, and a player looking to emerge from a positional log jam from the 4A runner up. As before, players are listed in rank order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743340' first='Lena' last='Leatherman'], SG, Doniphan West - At the early June MAYB 1A/2A tournament Leatherman showed that she will be a solid perimeter shooting threat in 2024, especially when she gets opportunities in flow off the catch or a dribble. I like her solid speed and overall maturity on the floor. Entering at <strong>#185</strong>, she will be a solid contributor as the Muistangs look to repeat as 1A Division I champs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='744534' first='Kennedy' last='Werth'], 5'7", PG, Quinter - Like a large number of students at small town schools Werth is a multi-sport athlete. And especially because of being taught form, she has good stamina and quickness. the third team Northwest Kansas League selection also brings to the table solid handles, solid size at the position, and a smooth three point shot. She is also a rebounder who must be kept off the boards because she uses her quickness and strength to get put-backs or get the team out on the break. Werth joins the ranks at <strong>#189</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743351' first='Payton' last='Rottinghaus'], 5'8", PF, Rock Creek - Rottinghaus is likely debuting on the low side at <strong>#190</strong> principally due to my only viewing was at the Mustang's blow-out, sub-state final loss at McPherson. There is a great deal to like though. As the featured image shows Rottinghaus is a solidly built, physical, and hard working post who plays bigger than her height. Also a good free throw shooter, she will be a key factor in the Mustangs making another push to get to the 4A state tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743343' first='Paige' last='Thexton'], 5'7", SG, Great Bend - Entering the ranks at <strong>#191</strong> is this hard working, hustling shooting guard. Energy helps players gain advantage in many situations and Thexton battles on the boards, averaging 5.7 per game, and turns rebounding opportunities into free points shooting 67% from the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743332' first='Taryn' last='Maike'], 5'0", PG, Wabaunsee - There is a great deal to like about Maike's game. At the June MAYB 1A/2A tournament she showed herself to be an important player for the Chargers to have on the floor. She is all floor leader. Providing stability running the show Maike is speedy and a finisher in transition, quick with the ball in the half court, and is a good free throw shooter. Maike gains a lot of points from me with her ability to work in space while looking for opportunities out of the offense. Unless she gets into foul trouble or tired Maike cannot come off the floor in '24. She debutes at <strong>#198</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743346' first='Malaina' last='Whetstine'], 5'6", SG, Doniphan West - Whetstine is back for a run at a 1A Division I title repeat. A highly experience player, after working herself into the rotation as a freshman, her experience in big games and confidence to hit big shots will be huge in 2024. She chimes in at <strong>#200</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743347' first='Carlie' last='Martin'], 5'6", SG, Meade - Entering the ranks at <strong>#206</strong>, Martin is a player I anticipate seeing make a swift move up by the time the December rankings drop. The Western [program_tooltip program_id='715643' first='Kansas' last='Elite'] shooter brings a great deal of game to the table. Averaging 11.9 points, 2.5 steals, and 2 assists I attribute a great deal of her 3.2 turnovers to getting a smidge out of control due to her motor. She works hard on both ends, gets downhill in a hurry, works to draw defenders so she can drop a dime and uses her offensive pressure on her defender to create her own shot. That includes the three ball...with terrific range. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":763368,"width":114,"height":116,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Kaya-Lowry-2024-McPherson.jpg?w=425" alt="" class="wp-image-763368" style="width:114px;height:116px" width="114" height="116" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">McPherson 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='743352' first='Kaya' last='Lowry']. Photo: Robert Kelly</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743337' first='Amanda' last='Tower'], 5'5", CG, De Soto - In last July I enjoyed the opportunity to catch Tower at The End Game event in Wichita with her KC Eclipse team. Entering the ranks at <strong>#207</strong> she brings to the table a good frame for her height and perimeter shooting ability without any wasted movement. While I would like to see a step more quickness with the ball she has good anticipation ability to jump passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743352' first='Kaya' last='Lowry'], 5'7", PF/CG, McPherson - <strong>#210</strong>. While Lowry principally playing JV for the 4A state runner up Bullpups she is a bit of a casualty of a deep roster. She was at times very dominant due to her speed, quick hands, athleticism, and her build. She has a stockyish build with a strong lower body. The combination of her build and talents makes her a challenge to defend because she can do a little bit of everything well and has the chops to lay wood on people rebounding. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->