Small‑Town Kansas Class of 2027 Guards Ready to Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer's club circuit allowed us scouts to take a closer look at some emerging talent from across Kansas, and a few players truly stood out, not just for their stats, but for their stories, mindsets, and potential. From powerhouse small-town programs to hardworking role players making their mark, these athletes brought something special to the court. Whether it was [player_tooltip player_id='892369' first='Ella' last='Gruenbacher']'s relentless effort and uplifting attitude, [player_tooltip player_id='928788' first='Madysen' last='Hammond']'s ability to light it up from three, [player_tooltip player_id='1161400' first='Peyton' last='Gentry']'s surprising playmaking, or [player_tooltip player_id='932928' first='Gracie' last='Bruna']'s legacy-driven rise out of Hanover, each of these athletes proved they have what it takes to make waves as they continue their high school journeys.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1161400"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6887e51280ac7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1161400' first='Peyton' last='Gentry'] was probably the biggest surprise performances I caught live this summer. In June I was able to catch Scott City's high school team in action. While she might not have been on my radar heading into the game, it didn't take long for her to grab my attention. She showed good handles with confidence, even under pressure, and her ability to make sharp, accurate passes stood out. A couple of those passes were those "oh" moments where you just lean back in your seat in amazement. She has the tools to be a key piece for Scott City this season, and I'll be keeping an eye on her continued development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["928788"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6887e51280b35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='928788' first='Madysen' last='Hammond'] brings a strong, physical presence to the floor with a frame built to handle contact and battle through defenders. When she uses that strength, she can create space on the perimeter and isn't afraid to pull the trigger from deep. When she gets into rhythm, she has the ability to catch fire, draining three after three with confidence. Once she's hot, defenders are left scrambling. Don't leave her open, because she can make it rain from beyond the arc in a hurry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892369"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6887e51280b82"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='892369' first='Ella' last='Gruenbacher'] of Quinter was a standout this summer playing with Magic, not just for her skills on the court, but for the intangible qualities that every coach loves. Ella brings a consistently positive attitude to the game, uplifting her teammates and setting the tone with her energy. She hustles on the floor and can do some of the intangibles coaches will love. She may not be filling up the stat sheet, yet, but her hustle, heart, and commitment to improvement are getting her ever closer to being a name you know in western Kansas. She's the kind of player that makes a program better simply by being part of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6887e51280bf0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming out of Hanover, one could say arguably the mecca of small-town basketball in Kansas, [player_tooltip player_id='932928' first='Gracie' last='Bruna'] carries a last name that needs no introduction. With deep roots in one of the state's most respected programs, she is looking to add to that legacy with her own brand of grit and skill. Playing for SSA this summer, she showed flashes of the basketball IQ and toughness Hanover is known for. As she starts the final two years of her high school career, don't be surprised to see her continue to rise. The foundation is there, strong fundamentals, a competitive mindset, and a pedigree of success. [player_tooltip player_id='932928' first='Gracie' last='Bruna'] is a name to keep on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->