A Dozen Under the Radar 6A Upperclassmen to Know

The shadows cast by higher ranked players can leave down-the-list and off-list players off fan radars. Get these 6A upperclassemen committed to memory as they have game, many have colleges teams pursuing them, and they otherwise are players you must know about before walking into gyms this high school season.

Ladaysha Baird Ladaysha Baird 5'3" | SG Topeka | 2024 State KS , 5’3″, SG/PG, Topeka, 2024 – Baird is a returning Centennial Leauge second team selection who has terrific quickness to stay with the ball. She also has strong handles, three point shooting, and quickness with the ball to create all sorts of perimeter problems. With 4-time all-state selection Kiki Smith graduated Baird is primed to step into the lead point guard spot. She holds offers from JUCO and D III schools.

Paige Cheffey Paige Cheffey 6'0" | PF Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2024 State KS , 6’0″, PF, Shawnee Mission Northwest, 2024 – A Sunflower League honorable mention selection, Cheffey has generated interest from a few D III schools. A physically strong and solidly built post Cheffey makes her mettle rebounding and tying up opposing bigs defensively. She has good hands, works well in the transition game, finishes through contact, and is a consistent all-around player.

Azura Clark Azura Clark 5'9" | SF Lawrence | 2024 KS , 5’9″, SF, Lawrence, 2024 – With several strong players from last year’s 6A state tournament team graduated Clark will be looking to make her mark after a strong summer. She has picked up offers from JUCO, NAIA, and NCCAA programs. Her ball skills have sharpened for her to show off her athleticism and scoring ability on the offensive end. Lengthy, speedy, and quick.

Kennedy Dodds Kennedy Dodds 6'0" | PF Manhattan | 2025 State KS , 6’0″, PF/C, Manhattan, 2025 – The Indians graduated a lot experienced size, providing a world of opportunity the solid-sized Dodds. Playing mostly JV last season because of the older bigs Dodds has a solid skill base to grow her game from. She has good feet, strong defensive ball-tracking ability, and sets and releases well out of the screen game. Dodds also has good length and speed.

Cyrenity Hardy Cyrenity Hardy 5'8" | CG Lawrence | 2024 State KS , 5’8″, CG, Lawrence, 2024 – “Tank” was a big part of the Chesty Lions’s full court pressure game that drove them to the state tournament. Expect more of the same from her. Speed, quickness, athleticism, handles, and defense. Hardy has improved confidence in her perimeter shot that will make her not just a deadly shooter but also that more effective off the bounce.

Ashlyn Lembright Ashlyn Lembright 5'11" | SF Dodge City | 2024 State KS , 5’11”, SF, Dodge City, 2024 – Lembright is a important piece of the Demon’s attack because of her quickness with the ball and her athletic, quick release from three point range. The lanky small forward has very good handles and good feet. While I am unaware of offers I find it hard to believe schools would not be interested in a fast, long, competitive, perimeter shooter who can play the stretch four spot.

Katie Mitchell Katie Mitchell 6'0" | CG Blue Valley Northwest | 2024 State KS , 5’11”, PF, Blue Valley Northwest, 2024 – Looking to be a big part of the Huskies improvement on a 7-win season. Good athleticism but has to protect the ball better on the finish.. Transitions well with speed. Spot-up corner three point threat.

Bella Nadeau Bella Nadeau 5'4" | PG Olathe Northwest | 2024 State KS , 5’4″, PG, Olathe Northwest, 2024 – Nadeau is expected to be in the mix if not start at a guard position. A tough, quick, streaky shooter who defends well on the perimeter.

Abbie Numrich Abbie Numrich 5'7" | SG Blue Valley Northwest | 2025 State KS , 5’7″, SG, Blue Valley Northwest, 2025 – Numrich is a high IQ, fundamentally sound player who is effective not only because of her game but also because of her consistency. Opponents making mistakes will pay. While not as fast as a lot of guards she does run well. She also moves into space and catches on the move well. A very good flash, catch, and score player. From moving into space Numrich finds her three-ball spots well and nails the shots. Numrich has good size for the position and uses it well boxing on the perimeter. A player who draws opponents’ best defender.

Kaitlin Parker Kaitlin Parker 5'10" | CG Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2024 State KS , 5’10”, PF, Shawnee Mission Northwest, 2024 – Parker brings size, strength, a solid base, and consistently good athleticism to the floor. She can play either forward position as well as on the wing. Parker has drawn broach interest, picking up offers from JUCO, NAIA, and D III schools.

Aaliyah Richard Aaliyah Richard 5'6" | PG Wichita Northwest | 2025 State KS , 5’6″, PG, Wichita Northwest, 2025 – Richard earned Greater Wichita Area League honorable mention honors last season. The lefty has quick hands, good speed, and shoots the perimeter ball well. Aggressive and dynamic she has a solid build and the physicality to use it on both ends of the floor. With two starting guards transferring to Maize South and Wichita Heights Richard is primed to lead the youth movement powering the Grizzlies to be a disruptive league force.

Madison Smith Madison Smith 5'9" | CG Derby | 2024 State KS , 5’9″, SG, Derby, 2024 – A starter on last season’s state tournament team Smith is a consistent perimeter shooter with good speed and a solid motor. Blessed with long arms Smith closes out strongly and is effective at challenging shots. She also is quick to stay with close-out attacks. A very poised player with anticipation ability to help from the weak side in the half court and off the transition sprint.