Minton was a key factor in Great Bend qualifying for the Class 5A State Tournament. She registered 308 digs and 281 kills in 88 sets. Both of those totals were an increase from her freshman season production. She is a floor leader for the Panthers and will have a ton of varsity experience by the time her prep career concludes. She is ranked No. 10 overall in the Kansas Class of 2028.

If Behr is the peanut butter for the Panthers, then Minton is the jelly! She leads all Panthers in kills heading into the tournament. She has tallied 254 kills and 57 blocks for Great Bend in 81 sets played. I was scheduled to scout the Panthers against Junction City this fall, but had to cancel my trip. While I have not seen Minton play this season, every report I have received about her is that she is playing faster and with more confidence this season compared to her freshman campaign. Great Bend will open tournament play on court B at 10:00 a.m. against the No. 3 Seed Blue Valley Southwest. Great Bend will be the underdog in this bracket, but don’t be surprised if they advance to Saturday’s action.

The only prospect in the Top 10 that I have missed seeing this season is Great Bend’s Minton. I had planned to scout Minton and the Panthers in Junction City last month until “real life” got in the way. I have received reports from multiple trusted sources that she is having a fantastic season, and her stats back up those claims. Minton currenlty leads the Panthers in kills with 156 in 51 sets played. She also has registered 162 digs, 172 serve receptions, and 16 blocks. She is the fourth prospect to move into the Top 10 after previously being ranked No. 17 overall.

Great Bend is a program that I enjoy keeping track of. Minton is a player who caught my eye last year during a Panthers practice that I scouted. She has some bounce in her step and can play multiple positions based on roster needs. She is ranked No. 17 overall in the Kansas Class of 2028. I received a copy of the Panthers’ schedule this morning, and I will give it a closer look moving forward. The Panthers do have a scheduled match at Junction City, which will be on my short list of tentative matches to possibly scout.

Minton is ranked No. 20 overall by Prep Dig Kansas. She played utility role for the Panthers last season. She is an unselfish and versatile athlete who can play multiple positions. The Panthers have the top-ranked setter in the Class of 2027, so Minton does not get to set yet as often as she would like, but she can also serve as a pin hitter or a defensive specialist. She posted special numbers as a freshman that included 296 digs, 158 kills, and 247 serve receptions.