Subscriber Spotlight, Rising 2027s

Heading into the spring and summer club ball a large number of players fill rosters of club teams. Some lock into high level leagues, almost never playing in-state. Many play in events in the multi-state region (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas). A sizeable number play primarily Kansas events. Wherever they can found these rising talents, who are site subscribers, need to be on player watch lists in the months ahead.    Bouddhara first made an impact as a freshman on a stacked team that included several future high level college players. Heavy graduation losses cleared the path for her to seize a leadership role and lead she does...on a team with its share of college prospects. This past season she averaged 19.6 points while shooting 37% from three point land and 68% from the line. She also grabbed 4.2 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 2.5 assists with nearly a 2:1 assists-to-turnovers ratio. What impressed me in the Falcon's state quarterfinal upset loss, to eventual runner-up Blue Valley Northwest, was her ability to exploit seams in defenses to get to the hoop; her perimeter shooting and the ability to anticipate passes to generate deflections and steals. The two-time first team Arkansas Valley Chisholm Trail League selection will likely make several all-state teams.     Hand was a big part of the Trojans' run to the top seed in the 6A state tournament. She averaged 13.5 points (shooting 29% from three and 60% from the line), 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 turnovers. 2026 AVCTL D II 1st team, 2025 HM. Hand has an ability to produce points and often does so quietly. While she is effective creating steals by anticipating the next pass to get the transition game going Hand picks up points from the line, from garbage collecting on the glass and on the drive. She is one to really watch how she develops physically in the upcoming year. College coaches have a great deal of variance in what they specifically look for from players who can play the 3 and 4 spots versus a pure 4.     I was able to see Maupin a couple times during the 2026 season. I am convinced she is not close to reaching her potential. The two-time Sunflower League honorable mention selection has long been known as a point guard who is fast with the ball, pushes temp off the possession change and is a good spot-up shooter. A willing, physical defender I will be looking for composure to stay out of foul trouble. On the offensive end what I most want to see from Maupin is a consistent ability to set herself up for a scoring opportunity from a wing catch on the wing. She has a tendency to not make that decision until after making the catch. Improving in that area will shave up to two seconds of time, enabling her quickness and ball skills to especially blitz defenders closing out on her.     Maze's presence and overall game matured substantially over the past year. She has long been known as a terrific, athletic and speed scorer as well as a quick and rangy defender. While 6A all-state teams have yet to be released I fully expect to see her appear in all of them. After averaging 13.1 points (shooting 30% from three and 69% from the line), 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists (versus 2.2 turnovers) and 2.1 steals she was selected to the Greater Wichita Area League first team.     Medlock is well known for her perimeter shooting ability and has a history of knocking several three balls in a game. She has a smooth stroke and uses her size well to get her shot off over anyone. A perennial 3A all-state selection Medlock also repeated as a Pioneer League first teamer. The 2026 season saw her average 20 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 3 steals. Something I saw last summer was her consistency in changing ends with speed and using her shoulders to create clear interior shots. I will be watching for continued game growth and to get a better handle on what her defensive skill set it.     Over the past year Nauholz started to rise into the top tier of prospects in the class. Her move into the top ten in the rankings with the next release reflects it. A honorable mention all-league and 6A all-state selection following the 2025 season she has already appeared as part of the Sunflower League's first team. This season's all-state teams have yet to be released. At first glance her size and length grab your attention. But watching what she does with it conveys promise for her future development. Nauholz has long been known as a rangy perimeter shooter with good finishing skills around the hoop and as a defender who challenges shots well without fouling. What I enjoyed seeing this year is how she gets her blocked shots - at a 5.3 per game clip - coming from help side, shoots the soft runner down the lane or from an angle using the glass and how she tips balls to where she can go get them when rebounding. Her inside game is solid, building off good footwork going either way to finish with either hand. A walking double-double for two years running (21.6 points and 13.7 rebounds in 2026) she elevates well and gets off the quick put-back from an offensive rebound. As she continues to hone her game over the upcoming summer months one thing I will be looking for is elimination of wasted movement on her perimeter shot. Not bringing the ball down after the catch will shave a up to a full second off her release time.     After being a honorable mention Frontier League and 4A all-state selection by KSHSAACovered and Sports In Kansas following the 2025 season Schooler was named to second team all-league following this past season. All-state teams have yet to be announced but I fully expect her to make all three. Schooler is easily one of the most athletic players in the state. An all-state thrower and jumper in track & field Schooler uses her length and hops to get to balls defenders cannot touch, goes up quickly off the catch, and finishes well going both ways around the basket. One thing I really love is how well she strongly she posts and calls for the ball. While I do not have a great handle on her defensive prowess Schooler's ceiling is high. She could be first team 4A all-state at the end of the 2027 season if her game continues to grow.

Heading into the spring and summer club ball a large number of players fill rosters of club teams. Some lock into high level leagues, almost never playing in-state. Many play in events in the multi-state region (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas). A sizeable number play primarily Kansas events. Wherever they can found these rising talents, who are site subscribers, need to be on player watch lists in the months ahead.