11 Players Opponents Find Downright Scary for 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emily Ryan. Peyton Verhulst. Jaliyah Davis. Kiki Smith. Aubrie Kirscht. Jadyn Wooten. Kerenna Gerber. Kali Briar. Taryn Sides. Kylee Scheer. Smya Nichols. Oen Deters. And from 2026 small and large schools had Asia Lee, Regan Becker, Arika Feldman, Jakayla Davis and Kailyn Hanni. Those players are among the select group of great, recent players that opponents feared having to take on. A bunch more will be taking to the hardwoods this fall (especially in the senior class). Some are very well known. Many of those below are not but I am here to tell ya this batch are players, drawn from every classification, that opponents find scary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["791747"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b232"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One thing that might be the scariest part of Bouddhara's game is her explosiveness with the ball while already dribbling. With her ability to handle and finish with extension with either hand she is extremely difficult to defend in space. Being selected to Sports In Kansas' 5A all-defensive team recognizes her defensive chops as well. Very, very heady on both ends and a three level scorer. The two-time Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division II first team selection also has been named the league's defensive player of the year two years running. A lock to pick up her third first team 5A set of honors by KBCA, KSHSAA and SIK. AVCTL Div II. 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["779208"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b3d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The former 2A player of the year following a state championship at The Independent School Buckner-Franklin never slowed down after moving to Kapaun and 5A. Following this past season the Wichita State University commit she picked up her second Greater Wichita Area League first team selection and consensus first team all-state honors from KBCA, KSHSAA and SIK. One of the premier scorers in the state she has racked up more than 1,500 points. The crafty lefty excels in the composure and see-the-floor department under pressure. An athletic creator she has a soft touch and can score with a variety shots off the dribble and knock down the quick three ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1323219"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1994060,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b45e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis had a huge freshman season leading the Blue Aces to a third place finish at the 6A state tournament. In averaging 19.3 points, 4.8 steals and 4 assists she was named to the Greater Wichita Area League first team. She was named to the KBCA and SIK first team and KSHSAA second team. The June ESPN Terrific 25 selection has terrific athleticism, hops, transition speed and three level scoring ability. She also will defend multiple positions. She showed off those chops in a state quarterfinal win over Olathe South when she drew [player_tooltip player_id='672683' first='Eve' last='Long'] to defend when her post players got into early foul trouble. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319158"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b392"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Mustangs ran through the North Central Kansas League on their way to a 4A state tournament third place finish with 24 wins...and a team with no senior starters. Averaging 17.5 points and 3.2 assists she proved herself to be one of top point guards, if not the top, in 4A. She brings it in big games (in a semi-final loss to Bishop Miege she drew 9 fouls on the way to 22 points on 9/12 shooting, 5 boards, 2 steals and a assist). With a solid build, athleticism, good decision making ability and scoring ability through contact she drew a substantial amount of courtside attention from MIAA NCAA D II programs at the I-35 Shoot-out this past June. She was a unanimous first team selection by KBCA, KSHSAA and SIK and returns as a two-time NCKL first team selection. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["898215"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b349"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Koontz will be a big problem for opponents in the upcoming three seasons. She brings good size to the guard position but her athleticism, quickness, solid frame and headiness on both ends of the ball made her a double-double threat (18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds) on the way to scoring nearly 450 points in her debut season. A Big East League second team selection she also make KSHSAA and SIK 3A honorable mention. She shows promise to be one of the top players in 3A regardless of class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["672683"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b1bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long has been the top player in the class since she walked through the doors of Olathe South and the top player in the state for the past two. Nothing changing here for the Notre Dame commit. A USA 17U and 16U national team member, and multiple gold medal winner, is a returning three-time Sunflower League first team selection. She also has been named first team 6A all-state by KBCA, KSHSAA and SIK two years running. Nearly impossible to guard alone and extremely difficult to score on in all situations due to her speed and quickness the returning Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year averaged 32.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["723402"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b2a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Having watched McCarty since the summer before her freshman year I knew 1A D II and the Western Kansas Liberty League was going to be in for it. The Missouri State University commit has been a monster since day one and has been the top player in 1A D II for the past two years while racking up nearly 1,250 career points. A go-to scorer and terrific defensive force she understands how to make everybody else around her better, making Cheylin a state tournament threat. She has been an all-state selection, mostly first team, for the past three seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1323214"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b302"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morgan's debut season rewarded her with Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division I first team and 5A second team (Sports In Kansas) and honorable mention (KSHSAA) selections. Morgan's quickness and aggressiveness with the ball works well with her ability to use screens and exploit defensive weaknesses that frequently put defenders through the spin cycle. Terrific speed, quick hands. Very difficult to defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1105537"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b4a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I caught Randall-Hurt this summer on the heels of picking up her second North Central Activities Association first team selection and collecting 3A honorable mention honors from KSHSAA and SIK. Her stock rose substantially by showing how well she handled with speed going end-to-end off a rebound, activeness as a rebounder, used good footwork and quickness working in the paint and an ability to step out and hit the three fluidly. A true center with legitimate size, she will be a difficult match-up for any team the Lions play this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["999825"],"_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-6904dd8460bdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Winter is the only returner to this list. Small and light she is but she can be absolutely dominant in a way that keeps her team in a game or runs an opponent out of the gym. A great all-around player with terrific vision and game IQ. The Indians lost to Hayden in the first round of the 4A state tournament in 2026 but Winter will lead them as a favorite to return. The first team Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division IV first teamer has been named to various all-state teams including 4A second team by KSHSAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1323218"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aee4edd1b41d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Winter had a huge freshman season, rolling up first team honors from the Eastern Kansas League in 6A by KBCA, KSHSAA and SIK. Winter is a terrific lead guard who scores at all three levels, finishes at speed and has an ability to control game pace and facilitate success for her teammates. This past June she was named as a ESPN Next Terrific 25 selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->