Kansas 2029 Pins Enjoying Fast Start to Fall Season

Here's another group of stars we're eyeing.   Over the next few weeks, you can expect an assortment of position-based features on many of Kansas' emerging prep prospects. Our spotlight on junior setters was a good way to lead it off, but we have so many more gems to discuss as the prep season rolls on.   The discussion continues with some high-impact underclassmen. Kansas' Class of 2029 has already wielded increased influence on the high school circuit, and pin hitters have been exceptional leaders in this regard. Carrying major attacking responsibilities can be daunting for any second-year player, but these sophomore athletes are ready to take command while pursuing this year's big prize.   So far, so good.    The Topeka area has given us plenty of standouts to discuss lately, so it's only fitting that we start with this Rossville standout. Simpson was a steady contributor in her first season with the Bulldogs, but she has upped her scoring averages through the early stages of Year 2. She put down over two kills per set as Rossville went four-for-five on its opening-day matchups. Her highlight film reveals Simpson's uncanny ability to find seams in the block and leave little chance for opposing defenders to make a play. Expect a few more big numbers to show up in Simpson's tally before the 2026 season is done.     Wichita Northwest will surely rally around its deep cast of frontcourt talent, and Triplett brings plenty of underclassman influence to that group. She scrapped to a 0.333 hitting clip in a showdown with Kapaun Mt. Carmel, one of Kansas' fast-rising programs this fall. Triplett has also seen big stages on the club side with Shockwave VBC, so she won't shy away from physical blockers or high-pressure situations. We were anxious to see how Triplett would fare after her brilliant showcase performance this summer, and early returns with the Grizzlies have been overwhelmingly positive.     Wichita is getting in on the action once again. Garrelts has a ton of positional range across the net, but her left-side hitting prowess has taken precedence in her first few matches with CCA. She was particularly effective against Remington, tallying six kills on a 0.357 clip in a two-set win. Garrelts puts an impressive snap on the ball, producing topspin that finds the indefensible corners of the opposing court. We can also give a nod to her assertiveness as a blocker, which has produced quality touches so far this fall.     Perhaps Hoisington has some unfinished business after coming up just short of a title last fall. Schremmer can help send the Cardinals back to the tournament stage with her ever-improving game on the right side. This springy attacker brings enough power and pace to punch through hands that aren't sealed on the net. Of course, Schremmer is also keen on exploiting open gaps and has become a lethal line attacker on either side. Her 0.340 hitting percentage has been a big factor in Hoisington's scorching 10-0 start, adding to the team's postseason aspirations.     We were overdue for a visit with Rock Creek, which has already racked up plenty of early-season reps in the Class 4A gauntlet. The Mustangs boast plenty of offensive balance, but Hake will never hesitate to haul in plenty of swings on the left antenna. Her confident, driving approach allows her to swing through the ball and maximize her momentum. This has been especially useful as Hake has learned to tool off hands and terminate on out-of-system sets. Hake's growth was recently demonstrated in back-to-back wins over Concordia, featuring some efficient output from the sophomore.     Perhaps we'll label this as a "hybrid" pick in this feature. Strickler often patrols the middle for Valley Falls, and she has all the length needed to be a shutdown frontcourt anchor. However, the Dragons also lob slower tempos to Strickler and allow her to take over on the '2' tempo like an outside hitter. She exploded onto last year's freshman scene with nearly 200 total kills, but Strickler is already on pace to best those numbers. She tallied double-digit-kill performances against Jackson Heights, Hiawatha, and Horton. Strickler is just getting started, too.

Here's another group of stars we're eyeing.