WICHITA, Kan. — The opening day of the Kansas Class 6A state championships saw several big performances from a host of players who have made a name for themselves this season.
On the day, Olathe Northwest defeated Liberal; Topeka got past Olathe East oin overtime; Derby defeated Shawnee Mission Northwest; and Washburn Rural defeated Olathe North.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the top performers in Thursday’s competition at Wichita.
<b>33-Sarah Gueldner, 5’9, G/F, 2019, Olathe Northwest</b>
One of the most dynamic players of the first round, Gueldner showcased a confident game on both ends of the floor. She scored 16 points in the first half and found her rhythm quickly from distance. Although she shot well from deep, her game doesn’t ends there. She is great with the ball and found separation through her dribble combination and fakes that left wide open looks and open paths. She finished the game with 31 points on 11-22 shooting.
<b>11-Machia Mullins, 6’0, F/C, 2020, Liberal</b>
An excellent forward who moves in and out of the paint and can score on the move. She has a way of getting her shot off and uses her size to great success. Also one of the top rebounders on her team, Mullins has long arms and great height that helps her secure rebounds on both ends of the floor. Mullins found the bounce inside and out against Olathe Northwest. She scored 29 points on 10-16 shooting from the field and 8-9 from the free throw line.
<b>40-Nijaree Canady, 6’0, F, 2022, Topeka</b>
An impressive post player who is quick, flexible and adapts to match-ups well. She is an offensive talent that brings size, length and athleticism to the floor. She has a great inside-outside game. She can dominate the boards and can step out some and handle and shoot. She averaged 20.6 points during season play and added 20 points in Topeka's win over Olathe East.
<b>42-Kennedy Brown, 6’6, F/C, 2019, Derby</b>
An elite scoring threat who brings terrific size and an excellent energy to the floor. She came into the game averaging 17.5 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game. Although she didn’t look to score as much against Shawnee Mission Northwest, Brown continued her dominating trend as she blocked every shot in sight and made the paint a no-score zone in her limited time on the floor. Her elite rebounding was also on scene as she dominated the boards on both ends.
<b>12-Carly Bachelor, 6’0, G/F, 2019, Washburn-Rural</b>
A solid player on defense who held her ground and defended the tall Olathe North on the block. Bachelor has good instincts and can come away with steals off the block and when she switches out and defends a guard. She is also one of the best ball handlers on her team and proved she could run the show, splinting her time as a scorer and facilitator. She’s great with coast-to-coast plays and loves to jump passing lanes to get a head start on the fast break looks.
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