10 Kiowa County 1A D I Sub-State Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kiowa County 1A D I sub-state includes a pair of KBCA ranked teams, #3 South Gray and #8 St. John-Hudson. Pairings for sub-state will be decided today by KSHSAA for the thirteen teams, drawn from three different leagues, making up the field. Play begins Monday, February 24. Ahead of the quarterfinal games enjoy this look at several key players to watch in the Kiowa County 1A Division I sub-state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Faith Ackerman</strong>, 5'3", CG, Spearville, 2025 - Ackerman is a quick, experienced floor leader that plays with composure. After losing to St. Johns-Hudson in a sub-state final last year the Lancers are hungry to make the next step to reach the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197396' first='Reagan' last='Bonner']</strong>, 5'5", CG, St. John-Hudson, 2026 - With all-state point guard Heidi Fisher graduated Bonner has been a source of back court stability. Having reached the state tournament last season Bonner has played a substantial role for the Tigers with her shooting. She cuts well off the ball and has good hands. She and her fellow guards will have to shoot well and take care of the ball to shave double-teams from center [player_tooltip player_id='539006' first='Lydia' last='Reed'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197401' first='Leighton' last='Durr']</strong>, 5'6", SG, Norwich, 2027 - Durr's first taste of the state tournament last season ended was ended abruptly by eventual third place finisher Centralia. Durr's two-way play as a finisher and laterally quick defender will be crucial if the Eagles are to make a repeat appearance. The guard can get easy buckets off turnovers due to her solid speed with the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maddi Hilger</strong>, PF, Norwich, 2025 - Hilger's importance inside on both sides of the ball cannot be understated. Hilger brings good size to the position, something most of the rest of the field does not have, and solid north-south speed. If she can consistently challenge shots without fouling, box out, and gather ten boards a game and clear them well Norwich has a shot to return to the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197399' first='Makenzie' last='Preisner']</strong>, 5'9", CG, Spearville, 2026 - Defenses have to know where the shooters are at all times but Preisner's slips into space well to use her her quick trigger off the catch. Her mid-range and perimeter shooting, combined with her length and composure, enabled the Lancers to knock off undefeated South Gray in the Southern Plains-Iroquois Activities Association league tournament with a last second jumper off an in-bounds play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='918827' first='Allie' last='Reed'], 5'10", SF, South Gray, 2025 - Solid handles with good decision making in transition. Takes it to the house off a steal. Finishes with elevation and extension. Shoot the three ball off the catch. Ball hawk on the weak side. Good bounce on mid-range jumpers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='539006' first='Lydia' last='Reed'], 6'3", C, St. John-Hudson, 2025 - Without a doubt Reed, a Fort Hays State University commit, is the top post player in 1A and is driven to lead the Tigers back to the state tournament. Long, quick, active and unselfish Reed has great hands and a diverse face-up and back-to-basket presence. A very capable rebounder and shot blocker, Reed clears the glass and gets the transition game going quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='959945' first='Kaylea' last='Robinson'], 5'9", PF/SG, Pretty Prairie, 2025 - Robinson leads the team in scoring at 13 points per game but will need to ratchet up her three point and free throw shooting for the Bulldogs to make a run. She plays a variety of positions due to her size, athleticism, horse sense and shot creation. Robinson can hit shots in bunches but also scores well going either direction out of her back-to-basket game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='616748' first='Kylie' last='Stapleton'], 5'10", SG, South Gray, 2025 - Stapleton has a solid frame and uses it to lead the team in scoring (14.6), rebounds (4.6), steals (3.4) and assists (2.5) while shooting 30% from three and 70% from the line. Her game on both ends are enhanced by her length but if that is not enough, do not expect her to tire easily in a open court game - she is a two-time 800 meter state champion who also placed in hurdles and long jump. Can you say hops?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='884875' first='Sayler' last='Stapleton'], 5'4", SG, Meade, 2027 - With the halfway point of her high school career more than two years away Stapleton is past the half-century make already. Already owning the school record for made threes in a game she is a career 35% three point shooter. Her release can be a tick slow but when heated up she is dangerous. Stapleton bounces between the 1 and 2 spot due to her handles and vision. Always a threat to jump passing lanes off the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->