I first saw Reed play volleyball early in her high school career. I have only seen videos of her game in the past couple of seasons, but she has evolved as an athlete and grown as a physical prospect. She is committed to Fort Hays State. The Tigers are coming off an excellent season and it’s always refreshing when a local kid gets a chance to play in-state. Yes, I know St. John is 87 miles away from Hays, but that’s still considered local in my books. Especially after my recent visit to Dodge City, Garden City, and Lakin, this past weekend.

One loss St. John reached the 1A D I state tournament last season. After being washed out by Frankfort by by nearly 20 points Fort Hays State University commit Reed is primed to lead her team deeper into the tournament this season. Easily the best center in the class the Central Prairie League first teamer was underappreciated by state honors in 2024. She will rise higher than honorable mention honors given by KSHSAACovered and Sports In Kansas.

The first time I saw Reed compete was in a club volleyball match several years ago. While I have not seen her play basketball in person, anyone can recognize her natural attributes for both sports. The paint monster has collected college offers like Mookie Betts collecting postseason home runs. Here is an unofficial short list of offers in her pocket; Newman University, Barton Community College, Johnson County Community College, Cowley Community College, Ottawa University, and Bethel College.

Sometimes when you see a player for the first time and walk away impress you want to see it again. The second week in a row I have had the opportunity to watch Lydia play and yes she can GO! Long piost player that can turn over either shoulder with a baby hook or turn around jumper. The face up game makes her such an impressive center. She can post up low or play high post and knock down the jump shot.

Moved well without the ball in man defense being able to defend 20 feet out. Excellent shot blocker that knows how to avoid contact on the block. As I said very consistent player every game I have watched. Check out previous article on coverage.

Another young lady that I got to see for the first time that impressed me. It had me looking online to do some more research. I believe what stood out was her back to the basket game. Very seldom do you see a post be able to turn over either shoulder scoring a turn around shot. Usually it’s over the left or right Lydia was very effective over either one. I could see a match up problem for some as she knocked down the high post shot. The lift and mechanics on the shot make it very hard for the opposing defense to block

Great hands, long reach and hops made it easy for the guards to throw it towards the glass and let her climb to go get it. An excellent rebounder that cleaned up allot scoring on many putbacks. Great timing and quick jumping allowed her to block many shots without fouling. A 2025 that I will be following to see where she goes after playing high school Check her out

Reed had a terrific junior season that resulted in her being named to the Central Prairie League first team and as a KSHSAA and Sports In Kansas 1A Divison I honorable mention. Reed has great length and hands, does a great job of keeping the ball up on catches and rebounds, and is effective working in the back court versus pressure. A high potential player Reed boxes and defends the high screen game well. Her game and build reminds me a great deal of former Riverside, and now University of Central Missouri, center Taylor Weishaar Taylor Weishaar 6'2" | C Riverside | 2024 State KS . Reed is quickly becoming one of the top 1A players in the state.