Ten Shawnee Co. girls players to watch in sub-state

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With the postseason fastly approaching, it's a good time to reflect on some impact players in the 2023 campaign. A handful of Shawnee County teams could make a deep run for a state title due to some key players.


Here are some girls' players that have dropped some jaws this season and will continue to do so in the postseason:


TEN GIRLS PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS POSTSEASON


KIKI SMITH, Sr. – TOPEKA HIGH

Smith is a top player in Shawnee Co. due to the senior's rapid-fire scoring, pesky defense and all-around great play. Smith has been a critical catalyst for a Topeka High squad that's been in the top 10 of Class 6A for the majority of the 2022-2023 season. Smith's intelligence on the court is sensational. As good of a scorer, as Smith is, her unselfishness and flashy passing make her game that much better. Smith isn't just a top player in Shawnee County; she's one of the top players in all classes. Topeka High fell just short of a 6A state championship last year, but don't be surprised if Smith leads this team to its fifth straight 6A state tournament run.


BROOKLYN DELEYE, Sr. – WASHBURN RURAL

Signed, sealed and delivered for Kentucky volleyball next year, DeLeye has some unfinished business to take care of on the hardwood. While KU basketball commit Zoe Canfield is sidelined due to injury, DeLeye has been a strong leader for Washburn Rural. Deleye's lengthy presence in the paint and superb shot selection makes her one of the most challenging players to contain. As a result, the defending 6A state champions will be leaning heavily on the production of DeLeye. 


MAKENZIE MCDANIEL, Jr. – SILVER LAKE

McDaniel is utilized exceptionally well down in Silver Lake. The 6-foot-1 post player is a walking double-double. The formula of feeding McDaniel down in the low block has been wildly successful for the Eagles. In addition, McDaniel keeps getting better offensively over time. With McDaniel's good shot selection from short-range, defensive abilities and the attention she gains from the opposition, she will be a big-time weapon for Silver Lake in the 3A state tournament.


TAYLIN STALLBAUMER, Jr. – SEAMAN

It's hard to find any flaws within Stallbaumer's game. One of the most noticeable weapons in Stallbaumer's arsenal is her ability to create good shot selection. If the shot looks impossible, Stallbaumer makes it look easy. Besides Stallbaumer's shot selection, the junior is a lockdown defender. The opposition needs to pay attention to where Stallbaumer is on defense, or she will go and pick your pocket. Stallabaumer has been a driving force for the No. 1 (5A) Seaman Vikings this season.


AMELIA RAMSEY, So. – HIGHLAND PARK

Ramsey has emerged as one of the top post players in Class 5A. Newly entered in the Meadowlark Conference, Highland Park has leaned heavily on the production of Ramsey in the low block this season. Ramsey is either on top or nearly on top in all classes in points, rebounds and blocks. I'm still determining what Ramsey's +/- is, but I imagine it would be an astronomically high number. With Highland Park experiencing the postseason with a complete and healthy squad in 2022-2023, Ramsey could be a vital part of a deep and potentially exciting run for the program.


EMARI DOBY, Sr. – SHAWNEE HEIGHTS

The 2022-2023 Shawnee Heights team has taken Class 5A by storm, with Doby having a hand in the success of the Thunderbirds. The senior has experienced the highs, lows and pressure-filled moments that Shawnee Heights has experienced. Doby's scoring, passing and on-ball defensive abilities have helped the Thunderbirds become a force. Doby's unselfishness makes the Thunderbirds better, and when they need to lean on her to score, she can provide that.


LAUREN SANDSTROM, Jr. – HAYDEN

Sandstrom has provided consistent scoring and solid defense for the Wildcats this season. Sandstrom is the rock for a starting five, with terrific scoring and above-average defense. Sandstrom's 6-foot presence is a strength for her game and the team around her. Sandstrom and sophomore Brylee Meier might be the best 1-2-punch in Class 4A. Look for Sandstrom to have multiple jaw-dropping performances in the postseason.


ANNA BECKER, So. – SEAMAN

Becker splashed onto the preps scene last year as a freshman. Becker is a "can-do-anything" guard. If Becker needs to facilitate, she does. If Becker needs to be the leading scorer, she can do that. Becker is a sparkplug; she can go from zero to 100 on her energy level exceptionally quickly. Becker compliments teammates Taylin Stallbaumer and Maddie Gragg well with her (Becker) 's high-motor and passing ability. With Becker having another breakout year as a sophomore, Seaman only losing one game, and Becker's teammates playing so well; this team will be bound for success. 


MCKINLEY KRUGER, Jr. – SILVER LAKE

As a sophomore, Kruger did a phenomenal job leading her team to the 3A state quarterfinal last season. This year, already a proven shooter and great passer, she will be part of the same starting five that took the floor in Hutchinson last year. With the postseason approaching, Silver Lake will need Kruger's abilities for a deep 3A run. Kruger has embarrassed opponents for a while with her ball handling. With McDaniel anchoring the paint and several good teammates around her, Kruger is dangerous. Kruger's defensive abilities are just as clean as her offensive abilities. Look out for the junior in the postseason.


EMMA MITCHELL, Jr. – ROSSVILLE

Mitchell is the heart and soul of the scoring output for the Bulldawgs. Mitchell has proven her worth both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball over the last three years. The scoring ability is naturally superb. Mitchell will be essential in prevailing when games are close, and situations get tough in the postseason. With an imposing Perry-Lecompton sub-state coming up, Mitchell's stellar game will be needed to overcome some tough opponents. Luckily for Mitchell, the production of Kinsey Perine, Rylee Dick, Katie Spielman and Shyanne Haehn will make her job more manageable.


Topeka High celebrating its Lady Firebird Winter Classic Championship win.

                                                            

                     OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Cair Paravel - KellAnn Chada, Abby Kuder, Alison Schwarz.

Hayden - Brylee Meier, Kaliya Fulton, Norma Greco.

Highland Park - Angelique Gowan-Britt, Deasia Sanders, Tahtionna Broils.

Rossville - Kinsey Perine, Katie Spielman, Rylee Dick

Seaman - Maddie Gragg, Brooklyn Gormley, Jaida Stallbaumer.

Shawnee Heights - Taylor Rottinghaus, Breezy Canady, Abby Fleischer.

Silver Lake - Mariah Farmer, Taylor Ross, Kaibryn Kruger.

Topeka High - Ladaysha Baird, Faith Shields, Keimara Marshall.

Topeka West - Jazmyn Ford, Imani McGlory, Zoe Clark.

Washburn Rural - Tenly Bunck, Chloe Carlgren, Kate Hinck.




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