Top Rising and Shining 2024s to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sizeable batch of new additions may have contributed to many players who slid some but many also made progress up the rankings ladder. Below are the nine players who climbed more than ten spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='347856' first='Braylee' last='Rogers'], 5'11", PG, Olathe East - The Truman University (MO) commit is the top mover in the class, launching <strong>27</strong> spots to <strong>#44</strong>. A Varsity Kansas 6A honorable mention and Sunflower League third team selection last season, she averaged 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4 assists per game for the Hawks. My colleague TJ Jones reported on her play at April's Lawrence, KS, event - the Wheat State Slam - that she was one of the best athletes at the event. While quick, fast, and athletic he really liked her leadership, balance, and footwork She changed speeds and directions well, finished and scored in a variety of ways, and defended solidly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='231285' first='Addie' last='Kirmer'], 5'6", PG, Emporia - Kirmer has long been a part of the Spartan team leadership that led them to the 5A state tournament a season ago. She has a mature game, strong decision making and creativity, quick hands, speed, and range on her three ball. Staying home to play for Emporia State University upon graduation Kirmer broke into the top 50 by climbing <strong>24</strong> spots to <strong>#46</strong>. She earned KBCA and Varsity Kansas 5A honorable mention and Centennial League first team honors last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='453778' first='Ava' last='O'Brien'], 5'11", PF, De Soto - O'Brien made a big <strong>24</strong> spot move up to <strong>#154</strong> and I anticipate her climbing further when the December update drops. A strong post player with a lane clogging frame. she walls up well against opponent interior moves and anticipates basket drives coming from the perimeter. In addition to solid north-south speed what I really like is her passing. O'Brien especially passes well from the wing to cutters. Soft and quick. On a team deep at the guard position I would like to see her get more looks inside this season. Her interior pass catching will only get better with more touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='649349' first='Katherine' last='Weiss'], 5'7", CG, Sacred Heart - "Kate' Weiss has had a terrific summer. Climbing <strong>23</strong> spots to <strong>#89</strong> her play has generated interest from NAIA and NCAA D II schools. Seeing her at the early April MAYB Hall of Fame Showcase I was impressed with how well she played fast and unselfishly. Quick on both ends of the floor Weiss shot the ball with range and showed she is a walking, traditional three point play. She finishes through contact and is money from the line. A very solid defensive player, Weiss earned first team North Central Activities Association honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='667175' first='Bri' last='Hochstetler'], 5'8", CG, Remington - Another player who can be expected to continue moving up come December is Hochstetler. Her game has matured dramatically over the summer. The Heart of America honorable mention selection moved up <strong>19</strong> spots to <strong>#143</strong>. She had a terrific showing at the Wichita I-35 Showcase just a few short days ago. Having grown into her body well she showed good strength, athleticism, and the ability to use reverse spins and other moves around the basket. Her handles have improved control and Hochstetler is a consistent perimeter shooting threat - including as a jump shooter. I appreciate subtle, quick passing and she delivers out of the high screen game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":692046,"width":105,"height":99,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/07/Jalyiah-Manuel-2025-Wichita-East.jpg?w=452" alt="" class="wp-image-692046" style="width:105px;height:99px" width="105" height="99" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wichita East 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='335962' first='Jalyiah' last='Manuel']. Photo Robert Kelly.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='335962' first='Jalyiah' last='Manuel'], 6'1", C, Wichita Heights - A top five center state-wide in the class, and the top one in Wichita, Manuel showed me something new every time I saw her play over the summer. The transfer from Wichita East has great size, strength, and length. That alone makes her mismatch. With her strong offensive game to go with her build, she is T-O-U-G-H tough. Late in the summer she not only showed off strong end-to-end handles but also delivers on transition passes. Her greatest asset is her hands. She catches nearly everything and on the fly. On the other end, a monster on the defensive boards and someone who alters shots consistently. Manuel climbed <strong>18</strong> spots to <strong>#32</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":768560,"width":134,"height":126,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Sadie-Estill-2024-Haven-defends-Kaylee-Swartz-2025-Chaparrel.jpg?w=451" alt="" class="wp-image-768560" style="width:134px;height:126px" width="134" height="126" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Haven 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='231277' first='Sadie' last='Estill'] defends Chaparrel 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='616758' first='Kaylee' last='Swartz']. Photo: Robert Kelly</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='231277' first='Sadie' last='Estill'], 5'10", SF/PF, Haven - The KBCA and Varsity Kansas 3A honorable mention and Central Kansas League second team honoree is expected to miss the entire 2023 season due to a ACL injury sustained mid-summer. That fact does not diminish her potential as a prospect. Rather, she advanced <strong>13</strong> spots to <strong>#87</strong>. Estill is a terrific combination of size, quickness, length, and athleticism. She moves well in the half court, rebounds with strength, finishes well around the rim, and works hard defensively. Often she drew an opponent's best player and did a great job taking them out of the game. Two things I especially like are her hands and her ability to put together multiple post moves. I am hoping she makes it back to contribute to a post-season run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='192785' first='Alaina' last='Eck'], 5'5", PG, Little River - I once wrote how I equated Eck to the great 5'2″, Australian guard Debbie “The Pest” Black , who I used to watch run the point for the Colorado Xplosion of the American Basketball League (ABL). A real "wind her up and let her go" player who causes havok on defensively and tears you up scoring on the other. Eck's still like that. Up <strong>13</strong> spots to <strong>#114</strong> Eck will be looking to push her team to avoid another unexpected loss and reach the 1A Division I state tournament. A two-time Wheat State League first team selection Eck also received KBCA first team and Varslty Kansas second team honors. A player who will take over when needed she has terrific hops, has very quick hands and feet, and attacks the basket with energy...like Black. She is also a strong three point threat. Last season she averaged 17.9 points, shot 36% from three (18 made), and shot 63% from the line. Three years running she has averaged more than 3 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":360081,"width":120,"height":113,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/12/Carly-Dameron-2024-Eisenhower.jpg?w=600" alt="" class="wp-image-360081" style="width:120px;height:113px" width="120" height="113" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Eisenhower 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='265127' first='Carly' last='Dameron']. Photo: Robert Kelly.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='265127' first='Carly' last='Dameron'], 6'2", C, Eisenhower - Among the top five centers in the class, Dameron moved up <strong>11</strong> spots to <strong>#38</strong>. Possessing legitimate size and length Dameron has solid transition speed and great hands. She has good footwork on both sides of the ball and has a solid back-to-basket game she works out of the power dribble. She works well in flow and uses the glass nicely as well. I really like her ability to take up space and influence shots. When she gets a lot of touches she can be tough to stop once she gets rolling. Not just with her scoring but working within the offense to generate opportunities for her teammates. Her 2023 honors include 5A Varsity Kansas third team and KBCA honorable mention, as well as Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division II first team..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->