Players Ready for their Elevated Roles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can you believe it? Iowa high school girls are officially kicking off their seasons next week. It seems like just last week I was covering the State Tournament and now teams are preparing to reset, reload, and hit the ground running in the 2026-27 season. Part of that reload process means players will be stepping into different roles than the season prior — taking on more responsibility on the floor, as leaders, and during crunch time. Today I'm listing five players that I feel are especially ready for that challenge. Consistent contributors turning into go-to players, these athletes have what it takes to be marquee names for their respective schools this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1098694"],"_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-6aea38e79474a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1098694' first='Kendyl' last='Aarhus'] is shifty with the ball, pesky on defense, and has the capability to light it up from deep (and I mean <em>very</em> deep). Finishing up last season averaging 10.3PPG, 2RPG, and 2SPG, the upperclassman will be looked upon even more this season to lead a State-hungry Red Wolves squad. Marion is returning the majority of their scoring this season, I think Aarhus has the versatility and range to be a huge difference-maker. She can finish with either hand, will let it fly off the dribble or off the catch, and makes a living out-pacing defenders for easy looks in transition. One of Aarhus' most eye-catching abilities is her range off the dribble. If you go under that screen, even if it's a few feet off the three point line, Kendyl can make you pay. Against Washington last season Aarhus cashed in on six threes in one night — I'm predicting lots more from the Junior sharpshooter this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885073"],"_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-6aea38e7947ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After losing one of the top duos in the state to graduation in Averie Lower and Lena Evans, Clear Creek Amana will most likely be turning to sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='885073' first='Lydia' last='Keller'] to lead the charge. Keller finished a strong freshman campaign by earning Second Team All WaMaC West. Even as an underclassman I was impressed by Keller's efficiency with the ball and decision making, and I'm really excited to see how she steps into the spotlight this year. She knows how to make an impact across the floor — she averaged 6.2 points, 3.6 boards, 2 assists and a steal per game last season. Her smooth jumper and high basketball IQ will be pivotal to the Clippers' success this year and I believe she's ready to take on her role in stride.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227570"],"_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-6aea38e79482d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After an impressive 2025-26 season, the Central DeWitt Sabers will be aiming for another State Tournament Berth — this time with [player_tooltip player_id='1227570' first='Emma' last='Putman'] as their X-factor. Emma and her sister Ava were a tough 1-2 punch last year, but with Ava now playing at Truman State (my alma mater), it's Emma's time to shine. Starting over half her team's games last season as a sophomore, the shooting guard is an extremely efficient player who can score at every level. She's got a quick trigger, can knock down contested jumpers, and also moves well off of the ball (an underrated skill at the guard position). She does a great job of reading her defender and flashing to the rim for open looks. At the rim she's got a nice floater in her bag while not shying away from contact — she's equipped to finish any and-1 opportunity that comes her way. Expect big things from Emma in her new role this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1058974"],"_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-6aea38e794886"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There is plenty to be excited about this season at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Bringing back six of their top seven scorers from last season, the Cougars will be eager to make a statement in the MVC this year. Junior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1058974' first='Addison' last='Stallman'] will be a pivotal piece through her hustle on defense, fearlessness, and ability to guard much bigger players. Stallman scored the third-most points on the team last season, and with their second leading scorer graduating in 2026, I'm looking at Stallman to take on a bigger role. In addition to her motor and smarts on defense, Stallman has the ability to step behind the arc, run the top of an aggressive trapping press, and finish through contact at the rim. Stallman will be needed to do a little bit of everything and I think she's got the experience and skillset to help the Cougars level up this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["686901"],"_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-6aea38e7948df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Multi-sport star [player_tooltip player_id='686901' first='Tessa' last='Jones'] will see an elevated role this season for Dallas Center-Grimes. The Winona State softball commit shot at an elite level last season (43.3 FG% and 41.5 3PT%) and chipped in a few rebounds, steals, and assists along the way. The Mustangs will look to Jones to help fill in the gap of graduating senior Leah Brauch and I believe her efficiency from deep will help get the job done. Drilling 8 three pointers in a game last season (yes, you read that right), Jones' balanced release and intuition on defense, where she averages a steal a game, will help her propel into an even more productive player for DC-G this season. With lots of talent returning, keep your eyes on Jones in the mix as one of the top shooters in the Little Hawkeye Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->