Top NWKL Girls Basketball Seniors to Watch in 2025–26 Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025–26 basketball season tips off, the Northwest Kansas League is once again loaded with talent — and its senior class is ready to lead the charge. Across the region, veteran players are stepping into bigger leadership roles, refining their games, and leaving their mark on programs that have grown around their consistency and competitiveness. Ranging from scoring guards to forwards with versatility, this year's group display the toughness, teamwork, and small-town pride that define NWKL basketball. Here's a look at several seniors poised to make a lasting impact in their final high school season on the hardwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773194"],"_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-6911115896aa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wallace County senior [player_tooltip player_id='773194' first='Jersi' last='Benisch'] is set to cap off her high school career as one of the most impactful guards in the Northwest Kansas League. A proven scorer and leader, Benisch returns after averaging over 15 points per game last season — ranking among the league's top offensive playmakers. Her game has continued to evolve over her high school career. There is improved confidence as a playmaker and a steady hand in clutch moments. Benisch's mix of shot creation, defensive energy, and court awareness makes her the centerpiece of the Lady Wildcats' attack. As a senior, she's focused on more than stats — her leadership and composure will be key to keeping Wallace County competitive in a deep 1A field.</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":["1139837"],"_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-6911115896b2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Decatur Community senior [player_tooltip player_id='1139837' first='Brylee' last='Minnick'] enters her final season as one of the Northwest Kansas League's most dynamic guards. After averaging over 15 points per game last year, Minnick returns as a proven scorer with the ability to create her own shot and elevate teammates around her. Her leadership and composure continue to define her game — calm under pressure, tough defensively, and confident as a playmaker. Expect Minnick to once again be the engine for the Lady Red Devils as she looks to close her high school career with another strong postseason push.</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":["827725"],"_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-6911115896b8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rawlins County senior [player_tooltip player_id='827725' first='Kayte' last='Shively'] enters her final season as one of the most reliable interior players in the Northwest Kansas League. A force on the boards and a vocal leader for the Lady Buffaloes, Shively's toughness and consistency set the tone every night. Her rebounding and defensive presence remain elite, but her confidence on offense continues to grow — showing improved touch around the rim and a developing mid-range game. Expect Shively to be the heart of Rawlins County's effort as she looks to finish her career with another strong season of two-way impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1042539"],"_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-6911115896be7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dighton senior [player_tooltip player_id='1042539' first='Lani' last='Speer'] is returning for her senior year as one of the top, if not the top, defensive forces in the Northwest Kansas League. With her length, timing, and energy, she makes a constant impact around the rim, while her offensive game continues to expand. Speer's leadership and relentless work ethic set the tone for the Lady Hornets. As she enters her final season, expect her to be the anchor on both ends — a player who impacts games with hustle, communication, and toughness every night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Shaylee Baalman","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Quinter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6911115896cdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quinter senior Shaylee Baalman enters her final season as a steady, physical presence in the Bulldogs' frontcourt. Known for showing her toughness and consistency, Baalman provides reliable defensive presence and rebounds with purpose on both ends of the floor. Her leadership and effort set the tone for Quinter, and her ability to defend multiple positions makes her a key two-way contributor. As a senior, expect Baalman to continue impacting games through hustle, strength, and quiet leadership — the type of player every winning team needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->