Breakout Performances from Kansas Roots Summer Smash 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kansas Roots Summer Smash provided a great opportunity for emerging talent across the state to showcase their skills, and several underclassmen made strong impressions. From high-IQ guards to versatile scorers and high-energy playmakers, these players proved they belong on the radar. Here are three standout performers from the event who showed why their stock is on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1161400"],"_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-6859ddff75571"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1161400' first='Peyton' last='Gentry'], a 2027 guard from Scott City, continued to get my attention with her performance at the Kansas Roots Summer Smash. A lengthy guard with strong ball-handling skills, Gentry consistently demonstrates elite court vision and a natural feel for the game. She delivered multiple highlight-worthy assists across two events last week, threading the ball with precision passes that put her quick high-level decision-making skills on display. What sets Gentry apart is her versatility. Her height allows her to shift into the high post when needed, creating mismatches and adding another dimension to her game. As she heads into her junior year, expect her to make serious waves with her combination of basketball IQ, passing ability, and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893503"],"_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-6859ddff75600"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='893503' first='Natalie' last='Bixenman'], a 2027 guard from Wheatland/Grinnell, continued to show why she's a prospect to watch at the Kansas Roots Summer Smash. Bixenman is a confident shooter with a smooth, efficient stroke and the ability to score from deep. Her range is impressive—she's more than capable of knocking down multiple threes in a single game. What elevates her game more is her combination of length and athleticism, which allows her to impact both ends of the floor. She put on an impressive scoring display over the weekend, and as she gets more court time I expect her to be a consistent offensive threat throughout her high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lileah Villa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lakin ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6859ddff75703"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lileah Villa emerged as a surprise standout at the Kansas Roots Summer Smash. Standing at 5'3", she may not be the tallest player on the court, but she more than makes up for it with her relentless energy and explosive speed. Villa is a dynamic ball handler who combines quickness with impressive control, allowing her to create opportunities in transition and in the half-court. What makes her performance even more impressive is her poise. Despite her fast-paced style, she shows excellent patience and decision-making, rarely forcing the issue. Villa is a high-motor guard with a sharp basketball mind—definitely a name to watch as her high school career unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->