Get to Know the ’24 class’ Top 9 Fall Debuters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A large number of debuters joined the 2024 class rankings just ahead of individual exposure events and the high school season. Led by a pair of large school players from the Sunflower and United Kansas Leagues who are either committed to or hold offers from the very strong NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, these top nine are expected to strongly impact the chances of success for each of their teams' season. Players are listed in rank order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='347856' first='Braylee' last='Rogers'], 5'11", PG, Olathe East - The Truman State University commit is the only debuter in the top 50. entering at #49. The third team Sunflower League (HM in 2022) and Varsity Kansas 6A honorable mention selection not only impacts offensively but grabbed six boards a game last season as well. Love the size and leadership she brings to the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743327' first='Violet' last='Conley'], 5'7", SF/PF, De Soto - The second of four players debuting in the top 100, Conley enters at #85. A good perimeter shooter with a quick release she also uses her size, quickness, and athleticism to cause all sorts of problems inside on both ends of the floor. A second team United Kansas Conference second team and Varsity Kansas 5A honorable mention selection last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743330' first='Brynley' last='Smith'], 5'11", SF, Maize - Entering the rankings at #99, Smith has brought stability to a program scrapping to climb back into the top echelon of class 5A since losing several top players two seasons ago. Smith earned second team Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I honors last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743329' first='Avery' last='Kelly'], 5'11", PF, Derby - Joining the rankings at #100, Kelly is the last of four debuters in the top 100. She received Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Div I honorable mention honors last season bringing speed and athleticism to the 6A state semi-finalist Panthers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='744050' first='Korie' last='Kirkwood'], 5'8", SF, Valley Falls - The class 2A Dragon is the top small school player debuting in the rankings, entering at #117. In averaging 15 points and 9.9 rebounds last season she showed a good all-around game playing power forward. While I expect to see her out on the wing at the next level due to size I do not think that will be a problem as she moves well to create her own shot, is a good touch passer, and communicates well with her hands where she wants to catch the ball. Kirkwood earned Northeast Kansas League first team honors in 2023, following up second team and honorable mention honors her two previous seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='744082' first='Kelsey' last='Schenck'], 5'11", SG, St. Thomas Aquinas - Entering the rankings at #118, Schenck earned Eastern Kansas League second team honors after garnering honorable mention honors two seasons ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743349' first='Tionne' last='Johnson'], 5'9", PF, Independence - Entering the rankings at #119, Johnson is a big-bodied, strong post player who earned Southeastern Kansas League honors a season ago. She anticipates entry passes and walls up well. With improved transitioning consistency she could be the x-factor to power the Lady Bulldogs to the 4A state tournament once again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743354' first='Aaliyah' last='Green'], C, Gardner-Edgerton - Entering the rankings at #121., Green is a player I do not see remaining outside the top 100 very long. Her improved transitioning ability a season ago helped her make better use of her size on both ends. Still on the raw side overall, Green clears rebounds well and takes up space well on the post-up. Improved laying wood on opponents when boxing out and increased speed could really free up teammates to find her off the transition pass and otherwise help them get more clean looks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='743335' first='Katie' last='Mitchell'], 6'0", CG, Blue Valley Northwest - The final player in the top 9 debuters in the '24 class, Mitchell comes in at #145. I enjoyed a good look in the end of July's The End Game event. She showed good athleticism and transition speed. She also shot the spot-up, corner three well. Buried on a deep bench in the past, look for her to step forward this season. I do want to see her protect the ball better. In the Eastern Kansas League, hanging the ball out yields layups for opponents very, very quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->