Class of 2026 Western Kansas Hoops Players to Watch This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The upcoming high school basketball season in western Kansas is set to have plenty of talent, leadership, and big-time performances. Ranging from experienced seniors ready to leave their mark to rising players who made noticeable strides over the summer, this group of athletes is ready to make an impact for their teams. Whether it's strength, lights-out shooting from beyond the arc, or the speed and quickness to change the tempo of a game, each of these players brings a unique skill set that could be the difference in tight matchups. Keep an eye on these names as the season tips off — they're all capable of delivering game-changing moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1265337"],"_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-689a161bed323"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1265337' first='Jade' last='Beckman'] is entering her senior season ready to continue her role as a leader for Oakley and finish her prep career with a bang. She brings a balanced skill set built on court vision, ball-handling control, and a confident scoring mentality. She has already proven she can impact the game in multiple ways, recording several double-doubles in her career, a testament to her ability to score and rebound effectively from the guard position. She is a competitor and she plays with energy, moves well laterally, and anticipates passing lanes to generate turnovers. She has all the tools to become a go-to playmaker for Oakley this season and a name to watch in the Kansas guard landscape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391433"],"_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-689a161bed383"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='391433' first='Rylee' last='Myers'] showed continued growth over the summer, elevating her game in ways that should translate into a strong senior season for Dighton. Her speed and quickness, which have always been there, have taken a step forward, allowing her to cover more ground defensively, push the ball in transition, and create separation off the dribble. Her overall athleticism continues to be a real asset, that enables her to make explosive cuts, finish at the rim through contact, and stay active on both ends of the floor. That development, paired with her competitive mindset, positions her to be a difference-maker this year. If she continues to refine her skill set while leveraging her improved physical tools, Myers could emerge as one of the more dynamic players in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751920"],"_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-689a161bed3d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Entering her senior season, [player_tooltip player_id='751920' first='Avery' last='Mauck'] brings strength, leadership, and a steady presence to Hoxie's lineup. She has the physicality and ability to hold her ground against tough competition, Mauck is a reliable force on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she has the rare ability to get hot from beyond the arc, and when she finds her rhythm from three, it's lights out for the rest of the game. Her shooting can swing the momentum of the game in a just a few possessions, which forces defenses to stretch and this opens up opportunities for her teammates. With her combination of toughness, experience, and scoring punch, Mauck is set to be a key factor in Hoxie's success during her final high school campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1235944"],"_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-689a161bed418"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1235944' first='Evie' last='Schippers'] steps into her final season carrying the tradition of a Hoxie program that has consistently produced some of the best guards in the area. A product of that winning culture, Schippers plays with confidence, skill, and a competitive edge that reflects the program's high standards. Ball pressure is no problem for her; she can handle the ball under pressure, create scoring opportunities for herself and others, and knock down shots when her team needs them most. With her experience and understanding of the game, she's primed to be a leader on and off the court. Expect Schippers to close out her high school career with fireworks, making her presence felt in every big moment for Hoxie this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->