1A Athletes to Watch: Volleyball Stars Who Shine on the Hardwood

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The road to Dodge City is packed with some of the most competitive and versatile athletes in Kansas — players who don't just dominate the volleyball court but are also names to remember when basketball season tips off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From record-breaking defenders to emerging underclass standouts, these multi-sport competitors bring energy, leadership, and elite instincts that translate across every game they play. As the 1A Division I State Volleyball Tournament gets underway this weekend, here's a look at several athletes poised to make an impact — both now and in the months ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["780023"],"_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-69016fa61de5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few players in 1A compete with the toughness and consistency of [player_tooltip player_id='780023' first='Addyson' last='Kennedy']. The junior libero has been the heartbeat of Greeley County's defense this fall, leading the Jackrabbits back to the 1A Division I State Tournament and breaking the school record for digs in a single season with 369 (4.3 per set).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kennedy's court vision, quick reads, and calm under pressure make her one of the most dependable defenders in western Kansas. Her leadership and composure translate directly to the basketball court, where she's a standout guard known for her defensive edge and high motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kennedy's ability to anchor a defense, communicate, and compete with confidence make her a name to know in both volleyball and basketball circles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220658"],"_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-69016fa61debf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Freshman standout Tylee Cavenee has made an immediate impact for Greeley County, helping power the Jackrabbits to the 1A Division I State Tournament with her athleticism, confidence, and energy. Cavenee has stepped into a leadership role well beyond her age, providing a spark on both ends of the floor — or in this case, both sides of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her ability to attack aggressively, adjust mid-play, and stay composed under pressure has made her a go-to hitter down the stretch. She brings that same competitiveness and motor to basketball, where she's a promising young guard with strong instincts, quickness, and the ability to change momentum with hustle plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cavenee's upside is undeniable — a young, driven athlete whose skill, poise, and presence make her one of the brightest underclass prospects to watch in western Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766788"],"_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-69016fa61df0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior leader [player_tooltip player_id='766788' first='Adelynne' last='Strecker'] has been the driving force behind Little River's run to the 1A Division I State Tournament, showcasing the same competitive fire and leadership that make her a standout on the basketball court. A composed, high-IQ athlete, Strecker sets the tone with her communication, consistency, and calm presence in clutch moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the hardwood, she's a steady guard who reads the floor, makes smart decisions, and thrives in pressure situations. Her ability to control tempo and elevate teammates reflects her experience and confidence built across multiple sports.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strecker's maturity, toughness, and team-first approach make her one of the most respected competitors in 1A — a senior whose leadership will be felt long after the final whistle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634243"],"_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-69016fa61df58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='634243' first='Arika' last='Feldman'] continues to shine as one of Little River's most versatile athletes, bringing power, poise, and leadership to every sport she plays. A key part of the Redskins' success and their return to the 1A Division I State Tournament, Feldman stands out for her athleticism and consistency in big moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She competes with a strong mix of physicality and control, showing the same balance and focus that make her a force on the basketball court. Feldman's ability to read the game, finish plays, and stay composed under pressure reflects her experience and confidence as an upperclassman leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tough, competitive, and team-driven, Feldman is the type of player who anchors a roster — steady when things get tense, vocal when her team needs direction, and always ready to deliver when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["898167"],"_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-69016fa61dfa3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore standout [player_tooltip player_id='898167' first='Braelyn' last='Blackwill'] has emerged as one of the most exciting young competitors in Class 1A, helping lead Quinter to the Division I State Tournament with her athleticism, confidence, and all-around skill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blackwill plays with an edge — explosive off the floor, composed under pressure, and capable of flipping momentum with one big play. Her court awareness and natural leadership shine through, whether she's elevating for a kill or attacking the lane on the basketball court. Coaches love her motor, body control, and the competitive energy she brings every possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A rising name in western Kansas, Blackwill's athletic upside and fearless mindset make her a player to watch — both this weekend in Dodge City and throughout the upcoming basketball season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->