Reed, Simon Lead Advancers in 2025 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Numerous players made advances in the 2025 class rankings that was recently released. Several, listed below in spots advanced order, made double-digit moves. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='539006' first='Lydia' last='Reed'], 6'3", PF, St. John-Hudson - Fresh off a 1A Division I state tournament appearance Reed turned heads immediately this summer. Long with terrific quickness and solid speed, what college coaches really loved was her ability to make the same interior play going both ways. With her great hands, playing off the catch was very difficult to defend. Reed has numerous offers ranging from JUCO, NAIA and D II schools. Reed rocketed <strong>64</strong> spots to <strong>#21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='872362' first='Megan' last='Simon'], 5'11", SF, Bishop Carroll - Simon has been a big part of the Golden Eagles' state tournament runs the past couple of years. Long and fast with a nice mid-range game, her long strides and reach enable her to finish with extension. A player who always seems to be around the rim on both ends of the floor, she moves off the ball; challenges shots and rebounds with elevation. Simon blasted up <strong>51</strong> spots to <strong>#83</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='884294' first='Lily' last='Unruh'], 5'7", CG, Blue Valley Southwest - Unruh has a been a big part of the Timberwolf's rising competitiveness over the past couple of seasons and contributed substantial scoring during the team's 5A fourth place run, hanging 17 on Andover in that final loss. Unruh has solid speed with the ball, finishes challenged shots with either hand and puts up a nice jumper. I especially like her court vision and that she is a very good half court defender with active hands. Unruh made a big move, rising <strong>32</strong> spots to <strong>#74</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='904759' first='Megan' last='Darensbourg'], 5'6", PG, Blue Valley Northwest - My colleague Jeremy Brooks, catching Darensbourg at the PGH KC Clash, called her a crafty and able driver of the basketball. She finished on both sides of the basket in a number of ways. Having good lateral quickness, she has a solid defensive sense of where to set up to get a stop. The Huskies point guard, up <strong>16</strong> spots to <strong>#91</strong>, will play a key leadership role for a team with heavy graduation losses in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='675831' first='Taylin' last='Tabor'], 5'5", CG, Andover Central - Tabor, a Cowley College softball commit, has long been a high caliber defender. She is an quick defender with quick hands that is disruptive even the quickest ball handlers. With the ball Tabor has a scorer's mentality who proved her ability to bury the three ball, including knocking down five of them against Olathe South. A tough rebounder, she jumps to the ball and clears it quickly. Battle tested in tight games look for Tabor's leadership to guide the Jaguars success. She advanced <strong>13</strong> spots to <strong>#86</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='822748' first='Kaydence' last='Torrez'], 6'1", C, Shawnee Heights - A physical, hard working post with legitimate size Torrez climbed <strong>11</strong> spots to <strong>#122</strong>. A solid rim protector and shot blocker, her screen work creates strong roll; pop and slide options that are tough to defend. A big who gets down the floor well after clearing the rebound is important and her transition ability supplies her high percentage shot opportunities. The Thunderbirds return a solid cast who, after losing in a 5A sub-state final in 2024, are legitimate contenders to reach the state tournament in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='688271' first='Katie' last='Evans'], 5'2", SG, Andover - Evans played in front a lot of eyes over the summer. She showed strong handles but what college coaches are looking for is a handler who can shoot the ball well and with range. That is Evans. She rose <strong>10</strong> spots to <strong>#128</strong> because of it and likely is not done yet. Whether with or without the ball Evans makes good decisions and is highly team oriented. Keying on her shooting too much, defenders will find out the hard way Evans will attack the hole with energy. With the graduation of a pair of D I signees Evans' shooting and experience as a returning starter will be key for the Trojans to improve on their 2024 5A third place state run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->