Top 11 Debuters in the 2024 Rankings
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The latest release of the 2024 rankings gained an additional 22 players. Heading into summer club and camp season the list is now composed of 74 players dozens more on a watch list. Enjoy this look at the top 11 debuters in the class ranks. Players are listed in rank order.
[player_tooltip player_id="265111" first="Josie" last="Grosdidier"], 5’10", PF, Blue Valley Northwest, Kansas United - Grosdider leads the list of debuters in joining the ranks at #20. The Eastern Kansas League honorable mention selection is strong and fluid, runs well, and has a solid back-to-basket game. Can get to the line, where she shot 65%. She averaged 6.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and a steal per game.
[player_tooltip player_id="265112" first="Emily" last="Fischer"], 5’10", PF, Olathe Northwest - The long, solidly build Fischer joins the ranks at #24. She creates shots off her post moves including a nice up-and-under move and can finish with either hand. Fischer has good north-south speed which she applies when she picks off passes off the ball. Her solid IQ shows up in her interior vision, anticipation to draw the charge, movement without the ball, and how she uses her hands to defend inside. She is able to hit the mid-range jumper.
[player_tooltip player_id="265114" first="Elizabeth" last="Tjaden"], 5’9", SG, Clearwater, Wheat State Elite - Tjaden enters the ranks at #25 after a strong freshman season. She averaged 11 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2 steals while averaging 67% from the line. She was selected KBCA 4A honorable mention and Arkansas Valley Chisholm Trail League Div IV first team.
[player_tooltip player_id="265115" first="Elise" last="Grosdidier"], 5’10", W, Blue Valley Northwest, Kansas United - Not far behind her sister, Grosdidier enters the ranks at #26. A solid mid-range shooter she also posts up well. She has good strength off power moves around the basket. Grosdidier averaged 4 points, 3.25 rebounds, and nearly a block per game.
[player_tooltip player_id="265116" first="Kyla" last="Herfkens"], 5’9", W, Emporia, Wheat State Elite - Herfkens joins the ranks at #29. She can guard multiple positions and play the same on offense. Her growing face-up and back-to-basket game supports her quick release on the mid-range jumper. Herfkens can finish with either hand, has good quickness on her first step. She also keeps her head up and has good vision to distribute the ball on the interior catch.
[player_tooltip player_id="265117" first="Elizabeth" last="Romer"], 5’10", SF, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Kansas United - The Greater Wichita League honorable mention selection enters the ranks at #46. Long and athletic, she shoots the three ball very well and has a great mid range jump shot. She has decent handles with a strong first step that helps her get to the rim.
[player_tooltip player_id="265118" first="Jamya" last="McPherson"], 5’7", PG, St. Thomas Aquinas - Joining the ranks at #47 is this Eastern Kansas League honorable mention. Regarded as diversely talented, she has a quick first step and good ability to get into the lane.
[player_tooltip player_id="265119" first="Mya" last="Mayberry"], 5’4", PG, Heights - Mayberry joins the ranks at #48. The Greater Wichita League honorable mention stepped into the point guard position as a starter and had a strong year.
[player_tooltip player_id="265120" first="Ava" last="Howie"], 5’11", PF, Maize South, Wheat State Elite - Howie enters the ranks at #49. Howie brings some nice aspects to her game that make her teammates better. She does a great job of keeping her hands up and presenting a target for entry passes. Whether on the perimeter, mid-range, or on the move to the basket she has a quick release. She also jumps quickly off the catch. Her interior post-up and face-up games are growing and she has good touch pass ability off entry passes. Howie is athletic with good transition speed and is a solid defender.
[player_tooltip player_id="265121" first="Jera" last="Kruleski"], 5’7", SG, Holcomb, Western Kansas Elite - Kruleski earned Great West Activities Conference honorable mention and joins the ranks at #50. A good three point shooter with deep range, she handles the ball well and can play the point as well. She is long and rangy, a solid athlete, a solid defender, and can put up points in bunches.
[player_tooltip player_id="265122" first="Lexi" last="Jacobson"], 5’7", CG, Southeast of Saline - The slender Jacobson is only going to get better as she gets stronger. Joining the ranks at #53, she moves well in space, including consistently flashing to open spots, has good quickness and transition speed, and gets out in transition well. Jacobson has a quick release and scores well off the catch and from the line.
Featured image: Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="265117" first="Elizabeth" last="Romer"]. Photo: Robert Kelly.
