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<p>As we approach the 2025–26 high school basketball season here at Prep Girls Hoops, we are amazed by the growth we see in the sport year after year. Each winter, new programs break through, returning stars raise their ceilings, and fresh underclass talent reshapes the competitive landscape. This season is no different—and few programs embody that progress more than the Washburn Rural High School. </p>
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<p>The Lady Blues compete in the always-competitive Centennial league , which features programs from across the Topeka area. Last season the Lady Blues finished <strong>Top in the league with an 7-0 record</strong>, closing the year <strong>20-4 overall</strong>. With a few returners and some rising underclass talent, the Blues are determined to climb even higher in the standings this winter.</p>
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<p>The program is led by Head Coach <strong>Kevin Bordewick</strong>, now entering his 16th season at the helm. <strong>Bordewick</strong> has consistently kept the Blue at the top of the state among elite teams. He has led the program to <strong>three state championships</strong> during his tenure and continues to excel in developing and guiding the Lady Blues.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Key Returners: </em></strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='671505' first='Maddie' last='Vickery']</strong> – A junior wing and K-State commit, Vickery is a two-time conference Player of the Year and earned First Team All-State honors last season. She is a dynamic wing with outstanding size, skill, and basketball IQ. Vickery led the team in both points and rebounds a year ago, showcasing her rare versatility and ability to score in a variety of ways. She is an exceptional rebounder on both ends, with a natural feel for reading the ball off the rim, and she defends at a high level. Vickery is recovering from knee injury and should be fully recovered and back on the court in the near future. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881002' first='Ella' last='Hirschi']</strong> – A senior combo guard and returning starter, Hirschi is a reliable, disciplined defender who excels at keeping opponents in front of her and contesting shots without fouling. She consistently does the little things that help her team succeed and win. Offensively, she has a solid handle and has shown the ability to shoot the ball effectively from long range.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182696' first='Brooklyn' last='Rutherford']</strong> - <strong>Junior point guard and returning contributor from last season.</strong> She does an excellent job controlling the pace, facilitating the offense, and getting teammates involved throughout the game. She handles the ball confidently in either direction and finishes around the rim with impressive touch and finesse. She also is a solid defender. </p>
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<p></p>
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<p><strong><em>Newcomers: </em></strong></p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='898460' first='Brynn' last='Anderson'] - A freshman forward with impressive length and skill, Brynn is an active rebounder and a dependable defender. She brings versatility to the floor, showing the ability to handle the ball, knock down shots, and finish effectively around the rim.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1312929' first='Kamryn' last='Smith'] - A freshman combo guard with strong instincts, court awareness, and skill. Smith is a smooth lefty with a tight handle and a crafty feel with the ball in her hands. She excels at creating early offensive advantages by moving the ball quickly and consistently. Her vision allows her to find open teammates at the right moments, and she also identifies her own scoring opportunities well. Smith is also a consistent, knockdown three-point shooter.</p>
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<p></p>
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<p><strong>First Game: December 8th vs SM East </strong></p>
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As we approach the 2025–26 high school basketball season here at Prep Girls Hoops, we are amazed by the growth we see in the sport year after year. Each winter, new programs break through, returning stars raise their ceilings, and fresh underclass talent reshapes the competitive landscape. This season is no different—and few programs embody that progress more than the Washburn Rural High School.
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