Western Kansas Guards Emerging as Players to Watch in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we draw closer to the 2025/2026 season, several guards across Western Kansas are beginning to carve out their roles and are ready to showcase their potential. From Pawnee Heights' [player_tooltip player_id='1224331' first='Lili' last='Cissell'] flashing scoring bursts and defensive energy, to Norton's duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1224643' first='Emma' last='Collins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1224644' first='Leah' last='Clark'] making steady contributions in different facets of the game, and Wheatland-Grinnell's [player_tooltip player_id='1224645' first='Brooklyn' last='Thomas'] proving she can step up in big moments, each has shown unique strengths that make them players to keep an eye on. While some are already making a name with standout performances, others are developing into reliable all-around contributors whose growth could elevate their teams down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224331"],"_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-68a4b8e3c9039"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pawnee Heights Junior guard&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1224331' first='Lili' last='Cissell']&nbsp;made a big impact this past season, averaging&nbsp;8.6 points per game&nbsp;and totaling&nbsp;181 points&nbsp;across 21 contests. She showed her scoring potential with a&nbsp;career-high 25 points&nbsp;in a win over Satanta, highlighted by three triples. Cissell was also one of the Tigers' most reliable shooters, hitting&nbsp;76% from the free-throw line, while ranking second on the team in both field goal and three-point percentage. Defensively, she was a difference-maker, leading Pawnee Heights with&nbsp;2.6 steals per game&nbsp;and nearly three rebounds a night. Add in her&nbsp;1.2 assists per game, and Cissell's all-around contributions stood out. With growth in her shooting efficiency and playmaking, her defensive energy, scoring bursts, and consistency at the line make her one of the Tigers' most promising young guards to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224643"],"_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-68a4b8e3c909d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Norton junior guard&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1224643' first='Emma' last='Collins']&nbsp;continued her development this past season, gaining valuable experience and showing flashes of growth on the court. Playing in 10 games, Collins averaged&nbsp;2.2 rebounds, proving her willingness to battle on the glass despite being a guard. That extra effort helped her carve out a role as a versatile piece for the Bluejays. Even though her scoring average sat at&nbsp;only 0.7 points per game, Collins showed she has the potential to be a scorer in a February matchup against Plainville, where she scored&nbsp;9 points, a breakout performance highlighting her ability to step up when given the opportunity. If Collins focuses on developing her offensive confidence and efficiency over the offseason, she will be ready to take a big step forward in her junior year. With her work ethic and versatility to slide between guard and forward roles, she has the tools to grow into a reliable two-way presence for Norton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224644"],"_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-68a4b8e3c90e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This past season, Norton junior&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='1224644' first='Leah' last='Clark']&nbsp;proved to be one of the Bluejays' most reliable all-around contributors. Listed as a guard but capable of sliding into multiple roles, Clark brought a combination of hustle and defensive energy that consistently gave her team a boost. Her rebounding numbers stood out immediately, averaging&nbsp;5.6 boards per game&nbsp;and pulling down&nbsp;123 rebounds&nbsp;on the year, ranking second on the team. That effort on the glass was paired with defensive impact, where she averaged&nbsp;1.4 steals per game, showing strong anticipation and activity on the perimeter. While Clark hasn't emerged as one of Norton's top scorers, she does have the valuable ability to defend, rebound, and provide versatility in the lineup which gives the Bluejays valuable depth. With continued work on her offensive assertiveness, free-throw consistency, and playmaking, she has the tools to round out her game and elevate her impact in the coming seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224645"],"_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-68a4b8e3c9129"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1224645' first='Brooklyn' last='Thomas'] is a developing guard with emerging scoring ability and court awareness, evidenced by her efficient 18-point, six-rebound game in a key matchup against Northern Valley. While her earlier stats may not stand out, players grow, especially under game-time pressure and opportunity. As she refines her offensive versatility, defensive competence, and overall consistency, she has the foundation to become a dependable two-way contributor for Wheatland-Grinnell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->