Midseason Check-in with Kansas’s Top 2028 Setters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's getting serious for the Class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've been fortunate enough to expand my coverage footprint into Kansas, and the ongoing club season has been a massive learning experience. The Heart of America Region has soared to national prominence behind some game-changing athletes. College recruiters are taking notice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That recruiting activity is about to ramp up with communication lines opening with the Class of 2028 this summer. We still have so many high-profile events to cover until then, and June 15th is only the start of the journey. This gives us time to check in with the best of the best from the Sunflower State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our conversation begins with setters, a group that keeps generating gems in the Heartland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518345"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b3e28f1a45f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've had multiple run-ins with Harris and [program_tooltip program_id='430200' first='KC' last='Power'] 16-1 this year. This group excelled in enemy territory while competing at Premier Nebraska this January. The gauntlet continued at Triple Crown NIT, among many other big venues. Harris has been a standout the whole way and is among the most well-rounded setters in Kansas's 2028 class. She doesn't shy away from taking risks and forcing her middles while off the net. Two-hitter rotations offer an opportunity for Harris to wield her imposing block and deceptive dump shots. The Heart of America Region has already racked up Open triumphs on the USAV map, and [program_tooltip program_id='430200' first='KC' last='Power'] 16-1 could be the next in line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503124"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b3e28f1a4dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Of course, we had to include our top-ranked setter in the current rankings. Walter has put Topeka Saints on the map with her uncanny ability to command a team. This multi-sport star has already produced jaw-dropping numbers on the high school side. She debuted with Hayden High School in 2024 and immediately put up 10.5 assists per set. 2025 inched that average even higher. Walter doesn't need perfect passing to put her terminators in ideal spots. Triple Crown NIT offered a perfect opportunity for Walter to guide her group of underdogs to a strong outing in Kansas City. MEQ is next.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["586613"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b3e28f1a52c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 16s age group isn't the only place to find this year's best 2028s. Bain has brought her complete game to the 17s level and is a do-everything athlete for [program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] 17 Black. Playing against older peers has not slowed Bain's progress, and the positive results have rolled in. 17 Black clinched the 18 USA title at KC MLK, leading to further bracket runs at Triple Crown and the Sunshine Classic. Bain's adaptability in a 5-1 offense has stood out, but she can slot into whatever system 17 Black deploys. Her expanding role will soon be highlighted at Indianapolis' MEQ weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["529959"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b3e28f1a578"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] 16 Black's resume speaks for itself. This top-tier team earned a top-ten finish at Triple Crown NIT and nearly reached the Open podium at Florida's Sunshine Classic. These high-profile accomplishments require some steady hands at the ball control positions, and Kinsella has provided that for 16 Black. However, her positional background extends far beyond her setting prowess. Kinsella has also racked up some impressive serve-receive reps this year and has dropped dimes as a defensive specialist. This evolving repertoire will be fascinating to follow as [program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] continues its qualifier tour.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["709741"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b3e28f1a5c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Heart of America Region scene cannot be fully encapsulated by the Kansas City metro. Western Kansas has produced its share of hidden gems, and George is leading the charge for the Class of 2028. She's ready-made to pilot a 5-1 system and has thrived on the regional stage with SW Pursuit 16-1. Early-season setter-hitter connections have strengthened, leading to multiple bracket breakthroughs for George and her team. This versatile athlete also boasts the defensive range to play a backcourt role if needed. Versatility remains a theme for Kansas's elite 2028s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["582978"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b3e28f1a60c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The final stop on our Kansas tour brings us to Shockwave VB Academy, where Lewis leads a quick, explosive offense for the club's 16 Black lineup. Shockwave recently embraced the challenge of competing at Triple Crown NIT, giving us a full glimpse of Lewis' vast influence at the setter spot. She's a springy, agile setter who can turn errant passes into in-rhythm opportunities. Her right-back floor defense is outstanding, and Lewis can also get aggressive at the net in two-hitter rotations. A qualifier gauntlet awaits Lewis and her team: MEQ, Lone Star, and Show Me loom large.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->