Uncommitted Kansas 2028s Poised for Upperclassman Gains (Pt. 1)

We still have plenty of time left with the Class of 2028, and that means growth and development are inevitable.   And we wouldn't have it any other way. It feels like it was just yesterday that 2028s arrived on the prep scene as spry, impressionable freshmen. Nearly two years have passed since then, and we've learned a lot about this talent-stacked group. But several more storylines are yet to be written.   Sure, this group of rising juniors brought a cascade of new college commitments when June 15 rolled around. We all saw the head-turning pledges. However, the vast majority of 2028s are in the early stages of finding their path to the next level. There is no concrete, "ideal" timeline.   The recruiting landscape is about to transform this fall. 2028s are about to climb to upperclassman status on the high school stage, giving them extraordinary leadership opportunities at the varsity level. It's exactly what college scouts want to see, and we can't wait to watch it along with them.   Add these names to the list of Kansas athletes to watch in the junior class. Big impressions are on the way.    As we'll see in this feature, the dual setter-hitter role has become quite trendy among Kansas' top 2028s. Mock has big gain potential in our rankings with her unique style of termintation and distribution. She piloted last fall's Rose Hill Rockets out of the back row, generating about five and a half assists per set during those rotations. Then, Mock would rotate into the frontcourt and score from just about any gap imaginable. Most setter-hitter hybrids are automatically slotted into the opposite position, but Mock did most of her damage as an outside for the Rockets. We're eager to watch a little of everything this fall.     Anderson is fresh off a productive trip to our Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase, where her lockdown defense immediately found the spotlight. The same storyline has played out with Shawnee Mission Northwest, as Anderson racked up a team-high 294 digs as a sophomore. The Cougars bring back a heap of impactful underclassmen from last year's team, so things are looking up for the next wave of junior leaders. Anderson will be a focal point of that operation in the back row.     We always have to keep tabs on the next stars emerging in the Topeka area. Dean has set the tone for nearby Jefferson West High School in Meriden, leading the Tigers to a 25-13 record last fall. This is a true six-rotation threat who amassed 2.7 kills per set while also leading the team's dig ledger with nearly 400. We also have recent signs of Dean's escalating momentum before her junior campaign. She climbed to the GJNC Gold bracket with her Topeka Saints crew and exhibited the kind of all-around prowess we've come to expect.     Here's a name we've seen before. Lewis loomed large in our latest 2028 rankings update, capitalizing on a deep AAU run with Shockwave 16 Black. Lewis is an agile, springy setter who isn't afraid to set against the flow when circumstances aren't ideal. Her gap sets were particularly effective this year, allowing 16 Black's physical middles to go to work. Such a diverse skill set yielded 10.2 assists per set during Lewis' second year with Andover Central, and she's primed to run the show again this fall.     How does a player and a team build upon perfection? That's the looming question as Maxwell and her Ellinwood squad look to back up last year's extraordinary 47-0 campaign. Compiling such a jaw-dropping mark requires some outstanding leadership across the board, and Maxwell was the Eagles' anchor throughout 2025. Her crisp, fluid jump sets froze opposing middle blockers and regularly gave her hitters split-block opportunities. But Maxwell's influence wasn't limited to setting, either. She also put down 2.4 kills per set on a blistering 0.339 clip, establishing this rising junior as an unstoppable setter-opposite. Still, we're expecting even more production in Year 3.     We're entering a fascinating inflection point in Johnson's prep career. She produced a bevy of highlights for this year's Dynasty 15 Black team, landing podium appearances at Windy City and Show Me. Johnson is a classic do-it-all outside hitter whose ball control strength could make her a DS at the next level. However, it's hard to pass up her raw athleticism at the outside hitter spot. Olathe Northwest leaned on that explosiveness last fall to the tune of over 400 kills. Another high-leverage season is on the way before Johnson transitions to MAVS KC 17 Elite on the club side. It's time to make some big impressions.     How about a visit with the Paola Panthers? Stanchfield made her mark as one of the most productive blockers in Kansas' sophomore class, producing an impressive 0.8 blocks per set while patrolling the net. However, Stanchfield's recent tenure with KC Ignite also showed how much heat she can generate as an offensive weapon. She boasts some sound, effective footwork in front of the setter and has worked in a wicked slide, too. Stanchfield is ready-made to occupy any middle role as a junior.

We still have plenty of time left with the Class of 2028, and that means growth and development are inevitable.