10 With Great Second Days at the Wichita I-35 Showcase

Day 2 of the I-35 Showcase saw me travel to the Wichita Farha YMCA. My report on standouts from yesterday at the Andover facility can be found <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/8-who-had-great-first-days-at-the-wichita-i-35-showcase/">here</a>. All told the event attracted 135 teams from Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. My goal today was to take in some 15U and 14U games but several 17U and 16U bracket play games also were played. While there were many more below is a look at several players who stood out.   [player_tooltip player_id='880997' first='Kimmy' last='Combs'], 5'10", PF/SF, Neodesha, 2026 - Physically there is a lot to like with Combs. She has a strong base, athletic build and terrific strength. She flat ripped balls away from everyone giving her the opportunity to do so. Combs showed herself to be a streaky shooter with range, a finisher through contact and with speed, and a good scorer in the mid-range. Really needs to be kept within 10' of the hoop for rebounding on the offensive end because she generated second chance points that otherwise would not have happened. Hops, strength, quickness, physicality and good feet is her great recipe for rebounding.   [player_tooltip player_id='445843' first='Elizabeth' last='Helms'], 5'5", PG, Riverton, 2026 - Helms showed herself to be a real floor leading, action driving point guard. When I walked up she was in the middle of working over a game, quick full-court defender. She showed handles with and good decision making at speed. Her physicality was on display getting scores. Great use of whirls, pivots and other tools in combination to score on either side and within 10' of the hoop. Without a doubt Helms might be the most physical point guard in 3A and is all-state caliber. Watch for her Rams fans!   [player_tooltip player_id='897261' first='Mariah' last='Heron'], 5'5", CG, Derby, 2027 - Somehow Heron always seemed to find her way into the lane. Whether off the drive, catching a pass on the move or rebounding she was always around the ball on both ends. An solidly skilled player overall she used her length to good effect for runners and and other finishes.   [player_tooltip player_id='910376' first='Jordyn' last='Koontz'], 5'10", C/PF, Lansing, 2027 - I really enjoyed watching how hard Kootnz competed on both ends of the floor. Strong with good handles at the 5-spot, she seizes driving opportunities from the high post and from entry passes. Spotting players who consistently find someone to box out first before looking for the ball on perimeter shots is something I always look for and Koontz has been one of the few I have found. Once gathered she clears the ball and gets down the floor well. Currently unranked, bank on her appearing in the next update.   [player_tooltip player_id='926681' first='Adelyn' last='Lee'], 5'4", PG, Sacred Heart, 2027 - In a hard fought, high tempo loss to Kansas Bluejays 15U Lee and her SSA 15U teammates were relentless crashing the offensive glass and she readily punished defenders who did not find her to box out. She jumped to the ball very well and used her handles and awareness to work out of trouble. She took good shots but, like the rest of her teammates, could not break through the lid on the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='889727' first='Ashlynn' last='Reed'], 5'7", PF, Wichita East, 2027 - Reed, while undersized at the position, is a fast and strong player who at times was relentless on the offensive glass. She showed good hops and athleticism to bound into the lane for numerous scores. Her frame and strength made her a difficult defender to get by or move on the other end. One to watch as her game grows.   [player_tooltip player_id='539006' first='Lydia' last='Reed'], 6'2", PF, St. John-Hudson - Reed had a weekend and the many college coaches in attendance took notice. Some smarting over not landing graduated Riverside big Taylor Weishaar (Central Missouri State) saw how much Reed, though a tick or two lighter of frame, resembles not just her but also her game. The long, quick, active and unselfish forward showed great hands and a diverse face-up and back-to-basket presence. A very capable rebounder, Reed cleared the glass and got the transition game going quickly. She also showed the speed to get in on the break as well as to get back to slow one. A terrific shot blocker Reed also showed physicality inside and quickness defending on the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='910371' first='Natalie' last='Stirling'], 5'8", CG, Olathe Northwest, 2026 - Stirling repeatedly showed the ability to score off the athletic take and the catch while on the move. She has a slender frame and has good speed but what I enjoyed watching was how well she works in the full court game. With her consistent use of quality ball fakes to gain an advantage Stirling was solid working in the half court as well. Currently unranked, count on her being added in the next update.   [player_tooltip player_id='766798' first='Kallynn' last='Stroup'], 5'8", SF, Prairie View, 2025 - There was a lot to like about Stroup's abilities. Athletic and fluid with a solid build she especially caught my eye with her physicality working in the high post area. She spread out well to create a entry pass target, showing the ability to play the four-spot. On the other end her off-ball work helping on drivers and even defending the ball on basket drive attempts highlighted her good footwork and strength. When defending off the ball, like sagging into the lane when the ball is on the opposite wing, I would like to see improvement in anticipating cutter action to better be able to bump and deny.   [player_tooltip player_id='779229' first='Ivey' last='Wheeler'], 5'5", CG, Lincoln Christian (OK), 2027 - The transfer from Wichita Collegiate is a first team selection that former Central Plains League foes will not have to worry about finding on the floor. In a tight game between her [program_tooltip program_id='715920' first='B2B' last=''] Kansas Bluejays and a tough SSA squad she caught fire late to break open the game and lock up a win. Four quick threes from the right corner and wing in maybe five or six trips. She spotted up and shot quickly, fluidly and with range. Wheeler also show good transition speed and solid handles. Her quickness of foot and hand were also a factor during the game's second half that I watched.

Day 2 of the I-35 Showcase saw me travel to the Wichita Farha YMCA. My report on standouts from yesterday at the Andover facility can be found here. All told the event attracted 135 teams from Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. My goal today was to take in some 15U and 14U games but several 17U and 16U bracket play games also were played. While there were many more below is a look at several players who stood out.