Class of 2026 Girls Hoops Prospects to Watch This Season

As the Class of 2026 enters its senior season, the window for exposure and recruitment is narrowing—but for several talented prospects across the region, the story is far from over. These players have put in the work, developed their games, and are poised to make a major impact in their final year of high school basketball. With so much attention often focused on the top-ranked names, we felt it was time to shine a light on some deserving athletes who may not yet be getting the recognition they've earned. This spotlight is for those rising seniors whose talent, toughness, and potential demand more coverage—and more eyes from the next level.    One of the most complete guards in Kansas' Class of 2026, [player_tooltip player_id='481452' first='Alexis' last='Hecht'] of Wamego has quietly built one of the most impressive résumés in the state. A multi-sport athlete and dynamic backcourt leader, Hecht brings a unique mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive intensity that consistently sets her apart. She is a confident shooter and efficient beyond the arc. Her game isn't just limited to scoring, as she is a talented rebounder and plays lock-down defense. With her well-rounded skill set, toughness, and proven production at both the high school and club level, she is primed for a big senior season—and deserves the attention of college programs looking for a two-way impact guard with a winner's mentality.     One thing stands out when you watch [player_tooltip player_id='827725' first='Kayte' last='Shively'] play: she's a player every coach would want on the floor. She is a high-motor player, and she has relentless energy, a team-first mentality, and an ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether she's pressuring the ball on defense, crashing the boards, or knocking down shots with efficiency, She plays with a competitive fire that elevates her team. Offensively, she's efficient and unselfish. Kayte makes good decisions with the ball in her hands and can knock down open shots. She's not flashy—but she's effective, and her basketball IQ is evident in how she reads the floor and adapts to the moment.     [player_tooltip player_id='669756' first='Kylie' last='Rhine'] has quietly become one of the most consistent and reliable guards in Western Kansas. A combo guard with the ability to run the offense or play off the ball, Kylie has developed into a dependable scorer and defensive presence. She is able to make smart reads, she doesn't turnover the ball and plays within the system. She shows up in every phase of the game, whether it's knocking down a big shot from beyond the arc, finishing through contact, or disrupting passing lanes on defense. She's also proven herself on the club circuit with Western [program_tooltip program_id='715643' first='Kansas' last='Elite'], gaining valuable reps against high-level competition.     [player_tooltip player_id='1139837' first='Brylee' last='Minnick'] has emerged as a cornerstone of Decatur County's attack, bringing versatility, determination, and a positive attitude that deserves attention from coaches statewide. She consistently crashes the boards, creating possessions for her team. She can play as both a forward and a guard, and she impacts play with scoring and rebounding while causing matchup problems for the defense. Entering her senior season, Brylee is primed to boost her production even further. With her blend of rebounding, defensive effort, and smart scoring, she fits into a variety of college-level systems.

As the Class of 2026 enters its senior season, the window for exposure and recruitment is narrowing—but for several talented prospects across the region, the story is far from over. These players have put in the work, developed their games, and are poised to make a major impact in their final year of high school basketball. With so much attention often focused on the top-ranked names, we felt it was time to shine a light on some deserving athletes who may not yet be getting the recognition they've earned. This spotlight is for those rising seniors whose talent, toughness, and potential demand more coverage—and more eyes from the next level.