From the opening Panther possession the Elon University commit attracted double-teams that denied entry passes and defended her on the inside in case she caught the pass. A long, fast and athletic scorer Askew battled it well, did not force a play if it was not there and found other ways to help her team. Offensive rebounding and shot blocking among them. Transition opportunities gave her some easy buckets and she buried a couple three-balls when Carroll defenders did not pick her up.

6’2 #33 for the Derby Lady Panthers, Macayla is a solid post presence when she wants to be. She tends to play bigger the closer a game gets. Her activity around the basket seems to double in tight games, even though her style of play is more of a Stretch 5. She can handle the rock and shoot a bit, so there’s no telling how far her impact can reach on this team. Her ceiling is not the roof!

https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ks/derby/organization/2299/derby-high-school/team/14371/girls-varsity-basketball/watch?hr=SGlnaGxpZ2h0UmVlbFN1bW1hcnk2OTM0MjNhOWJlNzcwNDJkNDE2ZDE4ZTU%3D&ot=TEAM&oi=14371&shared=true

In the past, I have compared Askew to NBA great Dennis Rodman. Back in the day, “The Worm” was a member of the wrestling faction, New World Order. So it only makes sense to have Askew as a member of my Survivor Series Squad. Like Topeka’s Caryl, Derby’s Askew is a paint monster. She has a long reach and excellent speed. Asken is ranked No. 3 overall by Prep Girls Hoops Kansas. Her finishing move in the ring would be the “Panther Plunge,” a traditional Frog Splash off the top rope.

After slotting at #4 ahead of last season Askew claims the top spot in the Wichita area top ten. In her two years at Derby she and the Panthers reached the final four of the 2024 6A state tournament and dropped the championship game last season to Blue Valley North. Askew’s game has always be marked by her fluidness, smarts and athleticism with an inside-out game. What she has added is pure power forward toughness and ferocity. One of the most difficult players in the state to match up with. The two-time AVCTL Div I first team and 2025 defensive player of the year was a consensus first or second team selection by KBCA, KSHSAACovered and SIK. Read more about her below.

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I doubt I make it to the Wichita area this basketball season, but if I do, it will be to scout Askew and the Derby Panthers. The No. 3-ranked athlete in the Kansas Class of 2026 enters her senior season with high expectations and state championship dreams. Askew is a grinder who has accumulated 118 steals and 402 rebounds in 48 games played over the past two seasons. She has posted back-to-back seasons with double-digit scoring averages, including scoring 13.8 points per game as a junior.

The growth in Askew’s game has been transformative in the past year. It has not just been skill development. Athletic, quick and fast with great hops Askew upped her physicality and aggressiveness heading into the 2025 6A state tournament. A total dismantling of Wichita East was the result. Askew is the top uncommitted player in the senior class.

Derby is a team I have a ton of respect for, and if I make a trip to the Wichita area, it most likely will include a Panthers’ game. Askew is the No. 3-ranked athlete in the Kansas Class of 2026 and one I am very familiar with. She is a grinder who has the skills to register a double-double each time she steps on the court.

Macayla Askew Macayla Askew 6'1" | SF Derby | 2026 State KS is emerging as a well-rounded, season-tested post/wing prospect with genuine two-way capabilities. Her scoring outburst in big-game settings, strong defensive instincts, and demonstrated leadership on the court position her as a strong target for strong programs. With offers already, she has a solid recruiting foundation. Expect more schools to engage as she progresses through her senior season, driven by her consistent performance and work ethic.

The athletic small forward has put together power forward chops too. Askew is a two-time Arkansas Valley-Chisholm Trail League division I first team selection. She also is a 6A KSHSAA and SIK first team and KBCA second team honoree.

From the moment she hit a long jumper to open a stomping of Wichita East in the quarterfinals Askew set the tone for the Panthers’ play. She averaged a double-double in points in rebounds as well as nearly 4 steals per game. Askew showed off end-to-end break leading ability off the rebound, physicality and hops rebounding and scoring inside. Follow my link for more

2025 6A All-Quarterfinal Team