Which Setters Surged in Updated Kansas 2028 Rankings?

<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/06/PD_StockUpShowcase_c4803f.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-994435" style="aspect-ratio:1.4869570384455404;width:269px;height:auto" /></figure>   <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2295/register/missourikansas-stock-up-showcase" id="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2295/register/missourikansas-stock-up-showcase">Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase</a>   -- USE CODE 'Austin26PD25OFF' FOR 25% OFF ALL SHOWCASE REGISTRATION FEES --   The signal-callers deserve some credit, too.   Our overhauled <a href="https://prepdig.com/kansas/rankings/2028-rankings/" id="https://prepdig.com/kansas/rankings/2028-rankings/">Kansas 2028 list</a> has arrived, and we led off our post-release discussion with some <a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/unstoppable-scorers-dominate-new-kansas-2028-rankings/" id="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/unstoppable-scorers-dominate-new-kansas-2028-rankings/">terminal stars</a> putting up big numbers. But, of course, these hard-hitting scorers can't excel without some smooth feeds from their setters.   These setter spotlights always feature a fascinating variety of athletes, particularly when Kansas is in the conversation. The position is home to aggressive gunslingers, steady leaders, and everything in between. Some carry part-time attacking roles, too. It all makes for a compelling cast of setters for college coaches to consider.   Let's dish out a few names to know after our latest update.    This was an easy one. Sturdy, who has announced her pledge to Tulsa at the next level, brings the kind of command and leadership you'd expect from a [program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] distributor. She has a compact, fluid jump set that freezes opposing middles after perfect passes. Sturdy can also fling the ball against the grain to give her pins attacking windows at the antenna. As if that's not enough, Mill Valley has thrust Sturdy into an outside hitter role, getting over two kills per set from the all-around star. Anything to win.     We have another Dynasty gem to discuss, but this one has followed a markedly different path. Kinsella has put up monster assist numbers with Olathe North on the prep side, averaging well over eight assists per set in the past two seasons. This experience has primed her to play up a year with Dynasty 17 Black, but Kinsella's on-court role transforms on the club side. She has thrived in DS roles while bringing her pinpoint passing skills on display. It's a rare switchup for a star prep setter, but Kinsella's ball control potential is vast.     Harris projects as the picture-perfect setter for the collegiate stage. She played around the dial for KC Power 16-1, guiding the team to a well-earned Open berth to GJNC. The team never had a blocking deficit with Harris' physical presence on the right antenna. This also makes the Blue Valley West standout a constant attacking threat on the second contact, expanding KC Power's range in two-hitter rotations. Best of all, Harris is looking forward to defending a state title with the Jaguars this fall. The spotlight will be bright.     There's that Shockwave squad again. Waldren joins a loaded roster of multi-position gems who can take over matches in various ways. Like our prior discussion of Sturdy, Waldren has done her share of scoring and setting on the prep side. Buhler got over 250 kills and 300 assists from their sophomore signal-caller, and similar storylines have played out with Shockwave. She can set with exceptional tempo, flex her rocket arm in the front row, or even handle some defensive duties along the end line. This wasn't meant to be a feature on positional flip-flopping, but Waldren keeps the conversation going anyway.     The Lipker name looms large at Clay Center. The Class of 2028 iteration spread the Tiger offense to a staggering 11 assist-per-set average. Churning out over 1,000 helpers in a single season doesn't come by accident, and Lipker brings a crafty deceptiveness that confounds foes. She also doesn't just dump the ball on her second-contact attempts. Lipker's patented whip-crack kills provide another layer of surprise to the Clay Center onslaught. Last year's 41-4 mark was just the beginning, and Lipker's crew will be a title favorite again this fall.     Perry-Lecompton gets on the board with its fast-rising setter in the rising junior ranks. She ran the show to the tune of almost nine assists per set last fall, fitting right in as a go-to underclassman. Reed's blocking at the net was surprisingly effective, churning out quality touches for her transition offense. This savvy setter wasn't just effective in first-ball situations with ideal passing. Reed's ability to adapt in chaos has contributed to her sky-high stats and made her a clear leader for the 2026 P-L unit.