3A Sub-State Watch, Wellsville Sub-State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KSHSAA released the brackets for the eight class 3A sub-state tournaments on Wednesday. In this article I share a look at players to watch in the Wellsville sub-state. Be sure to review the previously covered <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/02/post-season-watch-5-key-3a-western-kansas-players/">Holcomb</a>, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/02/3a-sub-state-watch-the-chapparal-sub-state/">Chaparral</a>, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/02/3a-sub-state-watch-the-caney-valley-sub-state/">Caney Valley</a>, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/02/3a-sub-state-watch-the-southeast-of-saline-sub-state/">Southeast of Saline</a>, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/02/3a-sub-state-watch-the-hoisington-sub-state/">Hoisington</a>, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/02/3a-sub-state-watch-royal-valley-sub-state/">Royal Valley</a> and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/02/3a-sub-state-watch-riley-county-sub-state/">Riley County</a> sub-states. Five of the sub-state's eight teams are drawn from the Pioneer League including KBCA #9 ranked Anderson County (16-3). The Kaw Valley's League's Heritage Christian Academy (17-3) is the sub-state's top seed. HCA has only played one other team in the sub-state field. The Chargers beat six seed West Franklin (6-14) handily in early December. The lone Tri-Valley League team, four seed Humboldt (12-8) hosts five seed Iola (7-12) in the first round. The Cubs beat Iola by eight in mid-January. Anderson County is my favorite to advance to state, but not a heavy one. Three seed Prairie View (15-5) split with Bulldogs and, barring an upset, the two teams will meet again in the semi-finals. Despite their record HCA has not played the number of strong teams either the Bulldogs or Buffalos have faced. The Flint Hills League's West Franklin (6-14) is a six-seed. If having lost to seven seed Wellsville this season and having been hammered by HCA is an indicator the Falcons have a very difficult, quarterfinal challenge in Prairie View. Several players will be keys to their team's ability to reach the state tournament. Take a look at them below in no particular order. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='532207' first='Caelyn' last='Ferguson'], 6'0", PG/F, Heritage Christian Academy, 2024 - Since the Kaw Valley League was formed a couple years ago Ferguson has been a first team all-league selection. She was also named 2023 Varsity Kansas 3A honorable mention. Ferguson does a lot of everything for the Chargers but is their most important scorer. She is putting up 17.4 points per game while shooting 34% from three (30 made), 55% on her two-pointers, and 84% from the line. She is also contributing 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 assists. For the Chargers to advance to state the John Brown University commit is going to need a lot of scoring and playmaking help. Records may not show it but several, very competitive teams can pull upsets. And if Ferguson gets shut down, the Chargers will be in for a long night if she does not get enough help.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='392328' first='Kylie' last='Disbrow'], 6'0", PF, Anderson County, 2024 - The two-time Pioneer League first teamer, who also was a KBCA 3A honorable mention selection, is a solid post player with terrific length and timing. A shot blocking (10.3) and rebounding machine, Disbrow scores the mid-range jumper well. She and fellow post, and Fort Scott Community College commit, [player_tooltip player_id='396401' first='Caitlyn' last='Foltz'], contribute an average of nearly 28 points and 21 rebounds together. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='766798' first='Kallynn' last='Stroup'], 5'9", SG, Prairie View, 2025 - If there is one player in the sub-state that can just will her team to win (like Riley County's CJ Rignell and Frontenac's Hattie Pyle notably did last season) it is Stroup. The good news for Heritage top seed Heritage Christian Academy is they will not see her unless the two teams meet in the finals. The bad news for Anderson County is the Bulldogs could face a team that for all intents and purposes kicked their butt about ten days ago. The Buffalos are a dangerous team and Gregg is an important part of the why. The Pioneer League second team and Varsity Kansas 3A honorable mention selection is smart, active, physical, and passes well to shooters. She also has quick hands and good handles to go end-to-end and score challenged shots. Like was done against Anderson County Stroup and company have to disrupt perimeter ball handlers and get into rebounding position actively to get extra shots and reduce opponent second chance points. The Buffalos have a legitimate shot at making the trip to Hutchinson but Stroup has to help the team get more than its share of rebounds and transition baskets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Skylar Hottenstein</strong>, PG/SG, Humboldt, 2026 - For Humboldt to reach the state tournament they will have to survive an exhausting run through league rivals and top seed Heritage Christian Academy. Hottenstein has to be able to lead the team to do so. Her talents make her tough. Quick hands, good handles, transition scoring ability with either hand, and perimeter shooting off the catch. She and her teammates will have to be able to play fast, shoot a high percentage, and not allow opponent guards to get many clean looks inside to post players and cutters. Hottenstein scoring in double figures gives the Cubs an outside shot from the four seed at running the table. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kiera Fawson</strong>, C, Iola, 2024 - Fawson plays a important role for the Mustangs. She has solid size with a terrific wingspan that helps her take up space defensively. She also has quickness to play at the top of zones, disrupt passing lanes, and pinch off basket attacks. She is very good at jumping passing lanes and is a good shot blocker. Fawson is physical and active on the post up and has Has good transition speed with a long stride. A key to the Mustangs' success will be her ability to defend opponent bigs without getting into foul trouble, her passing out of the post to shooters, and being a consistent threat scoring in the paint, rebounding, and clearing rebounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->