Kansas Girls Hoops: Breakout Players to Watch This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The upcoming Kansas high school basketball season is shaping up to be another exciting year for girls' hoops, with several players ready to take their spot in the spotlight. Ranging from under-the-radar guards who thrive under pressure to post players that bring size and grit to the paint, these athletes have the talent and drive to make a big impact for their teams, and to gain well deserved attention from college coaches. Whether it's leadership in a senior year, tenacity on the boards, or defensive playmaking that turns into instant offense, each of these players has a unique skill set that could make them a difference-maker this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226597"],"_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-689a17f7e8bf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1226597' first='Rylie' last='Minium'] is one of those players who has quietly been building a game that demands more attention, making her a true sleeper in the Class of 2026. Under the radar for now, she's the type of guard coaches will want to keep a close eye on. Minium's calm and collected demeanor under pressure allows her to control the pace and make smart decisions, whether she's bringing the ball up against a press or initiating the offense in the half court. She has the ability to score when her team needs it, but just as importantly, she's unselfish and always looking to get her teammates involved. With her poise, versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, don't be surprised if her stock rises significantly this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1202716"],"_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-689a17f7e8c58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1202716' first='Mallorie' last='Ruff'] enters her senior year with the drive to carry on the proud basketball tradition of the Ruff name in Hodgeman County, following in the footsteps of her older sister. With a strong skill set and the competitive pedigree to match, she's ready to make her own mark this season. Ruff's game combines composure and versatility — she can score at all three levels, handle the ball under pressure, and make the right reads to keep her team in rhythm. Her leadership and experience will be critical for Hodgeman County as she looks to close out her high school career with a statement season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1265341"],"_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-689a17f7e8ca1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Combining height with a competitive edge, [player_tooltip player_id='1265341' first='Piper' last='Fox'] brings a tenacity to the floor that is going to make her a force in the post. She battles relentlessly on the boards, securing rebounds on both ends, and has the strength and touch to finish through contact in the paint. Her physical presence, combined with her determination, sets her up for a big leap forward this season. Fox is primed and ready for a breakout year, and her impact in the post could be a game-changer for Scott City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["982105"],"_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-689a17f7e8ce7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='982105' first='Taegan' last='Eskam'] is a defensive spark for Cimarron, using her quick hands and anticipation to create turnovers and shift momentum. When she makes the steal, she immediately becomes a threat in transition — whether she's pushing the ball up the court to find an open teammate or attacking the basket herself. Her ability to turn defense into instant offense makes her a valuable asset and a player coaches should keep on their radar this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->