Five Kansas Athletes Featured In First Coverage Club

In the immortal words of Scott Hall: “You know who I am, but you don't know why I am here.”   When I became a scout in 2020 the main reason was to provide exposure for Kansas Athletes who would have difficulty being noticed. That is still the goal, but in the current world, of multi-thousand dollar investment in club and travel squads, social media drama, high school politics between administrators, coaches, and parents, plus $3.00-plus gas, several variables can sidetrack a scout.   To navigate those roadblocks I have created a new series of scouting reports for all three Prep Network sites I scout for. I have also created a new “alter ego” to crush those roadblocks.   It's human nature to imagine having superpowers. People often think to themselves, “I wish I could sing, dance, look, or write like him or her.” I have often wondered what my in-ring gimmick would be if I were a professional wrestler.   Partially inspired by those past thoughts, anticipated spring movies like If and Planet Of The Apes, and by wanting to return to the basic reason I work as a scout, I introduce my alter-ego “Captain Conan.”   He has the enthusiasm of Captain Caveman, the brawn of Conan The Barbarian, the voice of Merle Haggard, the writing skills of Peter Gammons, the soul of B.B. King, the fatherly advice of John Walton, the coaching skills of Dean Smith, the leadership of Frank White, the moves of Elvis Presley, the heater of Nolan Ryan, the grit of Josey Wales, the mic skills of Dusty Rhodes, the survival skills of Willie Nelson, the fashion sense of Ric Flair, the research skills of David McCullough, the intelligence of Ken Burns, the digging skills of Stacy Sykora, the beach skills of Misty May-Treanor, the coaching skills of Russ Rose, the blocking skills of Kim Oden, the setting skill of Greichaly Cepero, the longevity of Kerri Walsh Jennings, and the athleticism of Camryn Turner.   This series of reports won't be organized by position, by school size, by club team, by league, by region, by graduation year, or any statistical category. I have stated before we have an abundance of data at Prep Network. These reports will include athletes that data suggests need more exposure or athletes I feel need extra exposure.   This series of reports is dedicated to fellow scouts Wade Cargile and Robert Kelly who might be the only two people who will know all of the individuals mentioned above without using Google.   Here are five athletes that I am happy to welcome to “Capt. Conan's Coverage Club.” There won't be any secret passwords, special handshakes, or decoder rings necessary for inclusion.   [player_tooltip player_id='173394' first='Natalie' last='Herrington'], 6'1”, MB, Blue Valley North, ‘25   Herrington is one of the highest-ranked athletes missing recent coverage on Prep Dig. She is currently ranked No. 53 by Prep Dig. I did not see the [program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] 17 teams play much this past season. Herrington finished her junior season with 105 kills and 73 blocks in 84 sets played for the Mustangs.   [player_tooltip player_id='173387' first='Emma' last='Sales'], 5'9”, S, Olathe West, ‘25   Sales is a versatile six-rotation setter who shows off a variety of skills on the court. During her junior season with the Owls, she recorded 371 assists, 138 kills, and 63 total blocks. She could make a run at the 1,000-assist threshold during her senior season. Sales is currently ranked No. 74 overall in the Class of 2025 by Prep Dig.   [player_tooltip player_id='222084' first='Lilli' last='Weber'], 5'9”, S, Shawnee Mission Northwest, ‘26   Another setter who has not received much coverage is Shawnee Mission Northwest's Weber. She had a noticeable sophomore season collecting 582 assists in 81 sets played. She can find holes on the court with her tip game and is a plus defender finishing with 184 digs last fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='444610' first='Emmarie' last='Barger'], 5'7”, OH, Eisenhower, ‘27   Barger is a two-sport prospect in volleyball and basketball. She has plenty of time to keep improving at both sports and to see which sport she gets the most interest in come recruiting time. She is currently ranked No. 40 by Prep Dig and Prep Girls Hoops has her ranked at No. 35. Barger is quick, can jump, and understands the commitment it takes to succeed in multiple sports.   [player_tooltip player_id='173400' first='Chloe' last='Traffas'], 5'4”, DS/L, Attica, ‘25   Traffas has had abundant coverage on Prep Dig lately, but she deserves a shoutout after recently verbally committing to play college ball at Washburn. She is currently ranked No. 13 overall in the Class of 2025 and is the top-ranked libero. She is an elite player I saw play multiple times this past club season. I wish her nothing but good health and luck during her senior season and will have to plan to catch her in action for the Division II program in Topeka.

In the immortal words of Scott Hall: “You know who I am, but you don't know why I am here.”