CLASS 4A GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2025-26
 
 

LEAH ASKINS-DIETRICH, OTTAWA

Askins-Dieterich enters the new season as one of the Frontier League’s most dynamic returning playmakers, giving the Cyclones a proven scorer and three-year veteran presence in the backcourt. The 5-foot-8 combo guard was off to a blistering start last winter before an ankle injury cut her season short, averaging 18.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.5 steals through 14 games. Even in limited action, she still earned second team all-league, second-team all-state and a spot on the Burlington tournament’s first team, continuing a trend of postseason recognition that began her sophomore year. Askins-Dieterich posted 14 points per game as a sophomore and was a first team all-league pick. 
 

JUSTINE BERLIN, CLEARWATER
 
Berlin, a 6-foot-1 senior, averaged 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season for the Indians, who finished 13-9. She’s part of an experienced group of returnees for new coach Matt Doll. Berlin, senior Madi Clevenger and junior Makena Hampton were all starters for a team that finished as sub-state runner-up. A two-time, first-team All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail IV selection and third-team All-4A pick last season, Berlin has signed to play at Johnson County Community College.
 

 
CHARLIZE CASH, CONCORDIA
 
A 5-foot-10 senior who can play on the perimeter or inside, Cash is a four-year starter for the Panthers and was a bright spot in the Panthers’ 5-16 season a year ago. Cash averaged 11.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as she took on more of the scoring role a year ago after being more of a facilitator in previous seasons. Despite averaging less than 1 assist per game a year ago she still ranks No. 3 all-time in Concordia history with 251 in her career. She’s also fourth in Panther history in steals with 196. Cash has earned All-North Central Kansas League honors each of her first three seasons and was a first-team pick last year. She was a third-team All-Class 4A pick as a sophomore and honorable mention last year. 
 

BRYNN DETERDING, EUDORA 

Deterding returns as one of the Frontier League’s most dynamic guards and a proven leader for a Cardinals team coming off a 20-3 season and a state-tournament run. The 5-foot-7 point guard is now a three-year starter and the engine of Eudora’s offense after averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.3 steals per game last winter. Deterding earned second-team all-state and first-team Frontier League honors, and she was also selected to the Tonganoxie Invitational All-Tournament Team as she steered the Cardinals to a spot in the state quarterfinals, where they fell to eventual runner-up Bishop Miege. 
 

BROOKE DOILE, MCPHERSON
 
While Doile will play volleyball in college at Johnson County, she is back as McPherson’s top returning scorer and rebounder for the 2025-26 season. The senior guard averaged 12.7 points and 7 rebounds last season as the Bullpups posted a 10-12 record, falling to eventual Class 4A champion Wellington in the sub-state finals. Doile earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III second-team honors after helping McPherson post a 5-5 mark in league play. She was received All-4A honorable mention.
 

AVAH DYE, EUDORA

After a strong freshman campaign, Dye is back as a key piece for a Cardinals squad coming off a 20-3 season and a sub-state championship run. The 5-foot-8 guard/forward is already a two-year starter and one of Eudora’s most reliable players. Dye averaged 11 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.2 steals per game as a freshman, earning honorable mention all-state, first-team Frontier League and Tonganoxie Invitational all-tournament honors. With her versatility and experience, she’s expected to take on an even bigger role as Eudora looks to build on last year’s success after falling in the opening round of the state tournament. 
 

 
LILY EDWARDS, CLAY CENTER
 
A driving force behind two straight Class 4A state volleyball appearances, Edwards helped lead the Tigers back to state in basketball as well last winter as Clay Center ended a two-year absence in going 17-6 overall. A two-time first-team All-North Central Kansas League pick in each of her first two seasons, Edwards led the Tigers in scoring last year with 16.2 points per game. She’s scored 692 points already in her career and is on track to hit the 1,000-point milestone as a junior. Edwards also added 5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.3 steals and was a first-team All-Class 4A selection last year after being honorable mention as a freshman. With three senior starters having graduated, Edwards could take on an even bigger role this season.
 

 
KYLEE FRAZEE, ROCK CREEK
 
Frazee helped lead Rock Creek to a 17-5 season a year ago, one that ended with a sub-state championship game loss to Bishop Miege. Entering her third year as a starting guard for the Mustangs, the 5-foot-8 junior ranked second on the team in scoring with 12 points per game and tops in assists with 3.5 per game. She also snagged 3.9 rebounds per game and was a first-team All-North Central Kansas League selection and honorable mention All-Class 4A picks. With fellow first-team all-league selection Brynna Zoeller opting to focus on volleyball and not play basketball this season, Frazee will become even more of a focal point for the Mustangs.
 

ABBIE GORMAN, FORT SCOTT

Gorman is back to lead the Tigers in her final season as a steady three-year starter and one of the Tigers’ most versatile playmakers. The 5-foot-7 combo guard returns after averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists last winter, helping Fort Scott reach the sub-state championship game and finish 17-5 after a tough overtime loss to Labette County. Gorman was a first team All-SEK selection as a junior and earned honorable mention all-state honors. She looks to continue to impact games on both ends with her defense, passing and ability to score at all three levels. Gorman brings athletic versatility as a multi-sport standout in basketball, softball and tennis, where she is a four-time state medalist. 
 

MARY GRANT, BISHOP MIEGE

Grant returns as one of Class 4A’s top scorers after helping the Stags reach yet another state championship game last season, before falling to Wellington. She also helped Miege to a state title in 2024. Grant averaged 16.7 points and 3 assists per game during Miege’s 19-5 campaign, earning first-team all-state honors along with honorable mention recognition in the Eastern Kansas League. One of three seniors back for the perennial power, Grant will again anchor the Stags’ backcourt as she prepares for her future at Murray State. 
 

BROOKE GRIMES, ANDALE
 
Grimes was one of two Indians selected to the All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail IV first team last season after averaging 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.1 steals. Andale topped Clearwater for the sub-state title before falling to eventual champion Wellington in the Class 4A quarterfinals. Andale’s other first-team all-league pick, Maddie Lies, has graduated, but Grimes, a 5-foot-7 guard, heads a roster that returns mostly intact after posting a 15-8 record.
 

 
LEXI HECHT, WAMEGO
 
After an arm injury wiped out the last half of her sophomore season, Hecht was back to full strength a year ago for the Red Raiders and led them to a 16-6 mark with the season ending just shy of a state berth after a sub-state championship loss to Eudora. After averaging 21.5 points per game her sophomore year before the injury, Hecht’s numbers dipped slightly last year as she finished the season averaging 15.3 points per game. Her other numbers were right on pace with her sophomore year as she added 5.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 4.7 steals. For her career, Hecht – a three-time second-team All-Class 2A selection and first-team All-North Central Kansas League pick – is averaging 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 4.1 steals per game. She’s just 90 points from 1,000 in her career and has committed to Nebraska-Kearney.
 

 
TESSA HERRMAN, ABILENE
 
First-year Abilene head coach Ryan Perkins has a big piece to build his program around as Herrman is just a sophomore and is coming off a big freshman season. She helped the Cowgirls end a 35-game losing streak last year when she scored 21 points in a 49-45 win over Concordia and wound up leading Abilene to three wins overall. She finished the season averaging 14 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and shot 45% from the floor. Herrman earned first-team All-North Central Kansas League honors and was an honorable mention All-Class 4A pick. She’ll step into even more of a leadership role this season as the Cowgirls look to build on last year’s breakthrough.
 

HOPE HUGHES, PRATT
 
Hughes provides a veteran presence on a young roster that new coach Emma Stroyan inherited. The senior averaged 15.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.4 steals last season for the Greenbacks, who finished 11-10. Hughes earned second-team All-Central Kansas League honors and All-4A honorable mention. She and junior Kate Jackson, an all-league honorable mention choice, are Pratt’s top returnees. 
 

AMILEY LEWIS, HUGOTON

Lewis turned in a productive freshman season for the Eagles, averaging 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.2 steals. She earned second-team All-Great West Activities Conference honors and was honorable mention All-4A. Lewis is one of several Eagles who logged significant minutes last season. Hugoton is looking to improve on last year’s 8-14 mark.
 

 
KENDALL MAYER, WAMEGO
 
Wamego had a few holes to fill a year ago and Mayer stepped right in as a freshman and more than capably did just that. Serving as a post complement to standout guard Lexi Hecht, the 5-foot-10 Mayer averaged 10.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. She earned first-team All-North Central Kansas League honors and was an honorable mention All-Class 4A pick. Both Mayer and Hecht will look to lead Wamego back to the state tournament after two straight seasons ending with sub-state losses, last year’s in the finals to Eudora.
 

 
MIA MEYER, WAMEGO
 
A standout for St. John last year, helping the Tigers qualify for the Class 1A Division I state tournament, Meyer has transferred to Wamego for her senior season. She should have a major impact for the Red Raiders as a versatile guard/forward. Meyer averaged 11 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last year for St. John, earning second-team All-Central Prairie League honors. 
 

JAYLA MCCLINTON, BISHOP MIEGE

McClinton returns as a force in the paint for the Stags after a standout junior campaign. McClinton averaged 13.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season, earning second-team all-state honors and honorable mention recognition in the Eastern Kansas League while helping Miege to a 19-5 record and a run to the Class 4A state title game. Already signed to continue her career at Southern Illinois–Edwardsville, McClinton anchors a talented roster that also features fellow Division I signee Mary Grant, who is headed to Murray State. A multi-sport standout, McClinton is coming off a 4A state championship in the shot put. 
 

BRITTANI PESCHEL, MULVANE
 
Mulvane had some key losses off its 11-10 team from last season, but Peschel is coming off a productive freshman season in which she averaged a team-high 13.1 points with 4.1 rebounds, 5 assists and 3.7 steals. Her ability in the open court led to good scoring opportunities for the Wildcats, as she finished the season with 106 assists. Peschel earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III first-team recognition and All-4A honorable mention. She averaged 23.3 points in Mulvane’s first three games this season, all victories.
 

 
HAILEY SCHMIDTLEIN, HAYDEN
 
Even on a team loaded with senior standouts, Schmidtlein stood out as a force that Class 4A and the Centennial League will have to deal with for the next three years. The six-footer had a big freshman season averaging 13.5 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals per game. She was named the Centennial League newcomer of the year as well as earning first-team all-league honors. A volleyball standout as well who led Hayden to a runner-up finish at the Class 4A state tournament this fall, Schmidtlein already has a handful of Division I basketball offers. With the Wildcats graduating standouts Amelia Ramsey and Brylee Meier and two other starters, Schmidtlein could see her scoring numbers rise drastically as Hayden fills the starting spots around her.
 

ALYSSA SCHOENECK, TONGANOXIE

Schoeneck, a 5-foot-3 point guard and four-year starter, returns as one of the Frontier League’s most dynamic backcourt leaders. Schoeneck earned first-team all-league and second-team all-state honors last winter after stuffing the stat sheet with 16.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 4.4 steals per game. Now entering her final season, Schoeneck is closing in on the 1,000-point milestone while continuing to set the tone on both ends of the floor for the Chieftains. She committed to Tabor College earlier this fall. 
 

SARAH UHNER, CHANUTE

Uhner, a 5-foot-3 combo guard, enters her third year as a starter and once again figures to be a key piece for the Blue Comets. Uhner averaged 11 points per game last winter, earning All-SEK second team honors and Class 4A honorable mention recognition. For her career, she has averaged 8.3 points while collecting the same postseason awards as a sophomore. One of just three upperclassmen on the roster, Uhner has stepped into a major leadership role.  Athletics run in the family as well — her younger sister, Kate, is a freshman projected to contribute immediately at the varsity level. In addition to basketball, Uhner is also a state qualifier in track and a varsity tennis player. 
 

DRU ZEKA, WELLINGTON
 
Zeka is part of deep core of returnees that will try to help Wellington stay atop the Class 4A perch after the Crusaders won their first state title last March. Gone are all-state players and four-year contributors Val Norwood and Britt Zeka, but the 5-foot-10 Dru Zeka averaged 8 points and 3.2 assists last season, and provides high-scoring potential along with seniors Lyndi Barton and Kylan Gregory, and junior Kirstyn Gregory. Zeka was an All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail IV second-team selection last season for the 24-1 Crusaders, and also received All-4A honorable mention.