<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This is how to start a youth movement.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Alright, we have so, so many angles to cover from last weekend's Kansas state championships. A lot can happen in seven classes and four different venues, after all. I had a great time visiting BluHawk for a bit of Class 6A action, but that just scratches the surface of Kansas' postseason intrigue.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>So, expect us to jump around the map for a while. We'll have plenty of time to evaluate results and film from all of the tournament happenings across the Sunflower State. Storylines and trends will emerge, and we'll be here to discuss them.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>First into the fray: sophomores. We've been astounded by the talent in Kansas' Class of 2029, particularly as we started covering the 15s scene during this year's club season. This new wave of stars has translated to plenty of early prep success, with many 2029s standing atop last week's podiums.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Let's discuss a few of them.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895669"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae74570aa68c"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Two for two is pretty good, right? We can't imagine a better start to Pendergraph's prep career after she was a key figure in Blue Valley West's back-to-back titles as an underclassman. The Jaguars got plenty of help from their steely veterans, but Pendergraph's presence in the middle makes it easy to forget she's only halfway through her high school journey. Thursday's pool play provided another in-person glimpse at Pendergraph's aptitude on the slide, which has become a staple of BVW's unstoppable offense. A win over undefeated Mill Valley cemented that legacy.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["782250"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae76b66b14cc"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Just like Class 6A, Class 5A belonged to the No. 2 seed. St. Thomas Aquinas caught fire after dropping the opening set to St. James Academy in Halloween's title bout. Emergent players like Nash have been instrumental in these comeback efforts in 2026, and it all came together for STA's three-peat. We've been drawn to Nash's calm, stable platform at several venues this year, from her club appearances with Club North to her prep work with the Stars. We're eager to see what's next as Nash continues to play up a year with Club North 17-1 next spring.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895361"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae76b66b1553"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Anything can happen at State! Bishop Miege entered 4A pool play as the No. 7 seed, but the Shawnee Mission crew was out to prove it was more than a typical underdog. We've harped on the growth of Bishop Miege's offense, and Hubbard aided that effort through her unmatched physicality in the middle. This MAVS KC standout has brought her hard-hitting style to the prep side, and the results were extraordinary for Bishop Miege's final act. A semifinal stunner over Clay Center set the table for a three-set thriller in the championship against Andale. This Cinderella team would not be denied.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883636"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae76b66b15d4"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">The perfect journey is complete...again! Not only has Ellinwood repeated as the Class 2A champion, but the Eagles didn't lose a match during either of those two triumphs. So, sophomores like Stickney still don't know what it's like to lose a match at the varsity level. Stickney is one of several "change-up" attackers in the Ellinwood frontcourt, as she can swing off two feet on the right side or in front of the setter. Her native position has been at middle blocker, but don't overlook Stickney's positional adaptability. We'll see more of that versatility as the Eagles bring back many of their stars for another run in 2027.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913297"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae76b66b164d"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Welcome back to the spotlight. Hiltgen has already established herself as one of the top setter-hitters in Kansas' 2029 class, so this is a name we've brought up before. But it's worth rehashing her all-around dominance after Linn climbed the Class 1A-DI ladder as the No. 3 seed. Hiltgen amassed over four kills per set while also dishing out nearly five assists per set in her backcourt rotations. The Bulldogs ran a rare 6-2 system with both setters playing around the dial, and it's now a proven formula for championship success. Positive momentum is peaking ahead of next year's club campaign.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913299"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae76b66b16b7"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Hanover's championship-winning lineup featured many familiar names from our club coverage of Manhattan Mayhem. This club made huge strides in the spring and summer, culminating in further growth for athletes like Bruna. Like many of her siblings, Bruna has done a little of everything around the dial for the Wildcats. Her offensive production soared in 2026 with around two kills per set on the pin. Bruna's backcourt contributions have always been exceptional, but she upped her averages to produce over 300 digs this fall. Even with new personnel on next year's squad, Bruna will be a focal point of any starting rotation.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
This is how to start a youth movement.
Alright, we have so, so many angles to cover from last weekend's Kansas state championships. A lot can happen in seven classes and four different venues, after all. I had a great time visiting BluHawk for a bit of Class 6A action, but that just scratches the surface of Kansas' postseason intrigue.
So, expect us to jump around the map for a while. We'll have plenty of time to evaluate results and film from all of the tournament happenings across the Sunflower State. Storylines and trends will emerge, and we'll be here to discuss them.
First into the fray: sophomores. We've been astounded by the talent in Kansas' Class of 2029, particularly as we started covering the 15s scene during this year's club season. This new wave of stars has translated to plenty of early prep success, with many 2029s standing atop last week's podiums.
Two for two is pretty good, right? We can't imagine a better start to Pendergraph's prep career after she was a key figure in Blue Valley West's back-to-back titles as an underclassman. The Jaguars got plenty of help from their steely veterans, but Pendergraph's presence in the middle makes it easy to forget she's only halfway through her high school journey. Thursday's pool play provided another in-person glimpse at Pendergraph's aptitude on the slide, which has become a staple of BVW's unstoppable offense. A win over undefeated Mill Valley cemented that legacy.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Just like Class 6A, Class 5A belonged to the No. 2 seed. St. Thomas Aquinas caught fire after dropping the opening set to St. James Academy in Halloween's title bout. Emergent players like Nash have been instrumental in these comeback efforts in 2026, and it all came together for STA's three-peat. We've been drawn to Nash's calm, stable platform at several venues this year, from her club appearances with Club North to her prep work with the Stars. We're eager to see what's next as Nash continues to play up a year with Club North 17-1 next spring.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Anything can happen at State! Bishop Miege entered 4A pool play as the No. 7 seed, but the Shawnee Mission crew was out to prove it was more than a typical underdog. We've harped on the growth of Bishop Miege's…
The perfect journey is complete...again! Not only has Ellinwood repeated as the Class 2A champion, but the Eagles didn't lose a match during either of those two triumphs. So, sophomores like Stickney still don't know what it's like to lose a match at the varsity level. Stickney is one of several "change-up" attackers in the Ellinwood frontcourt, as she can swing off two feet on the right side or in front of the setter. Her native position has been at middle blocker, but don't overlook Stickney's positional adaptability. We'll see more of that versatility as the Eagles bring back many of their stars for another run in 2027.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Welcome back to the spotlight. Hiltgen has already established herself as one of the top setter-hitters in Kansas' 2029 class, so this is a name we've brought up before. But it's worth rehashing her all-around dominance after Linn climbed the Class 1A-DI ladder as the No. 3 seed. Hiltgen amassed over four kills per set while also dishing out nearly five assists per set in her backcourt rotations. The Bulldogs ran a rare 6-2 system with both setters playing around the dial, and it's now a proven formula for championship success. Positive momentum is peaking ahead of next year's club campaign.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Hanover's championship-winning lineup featured many familiar names from our club coverage of Manhattan Mayhem. This club made huge strides in the spring and summer, culminating in further growth for athletes like Bruna. Like many of her siblings, Bruna has done…
