By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Here’s a scary thought: The Kickapoo Lady Chiefs may not have reached their peak yet.
Coming off back-to-back final fours, the Lady Chiefs have restocked their roster and have the pieces in place for another dominant season.
With a handful of talented newcomers joining an established varsity core, familiarity will be key in the early going.
“We have been working on getting to know each other this preseason since we have several new faces,” said Kickapoo coach Leslie Hanchey. “Our program expectations are the same. We must be excellent communicators, out-rebound our opponents, defend every night and play as hard as we can.”
Kickapoo returns nine players, including five seniors, who were on the varsity roster last season. The Lady Chiefs will have one of the deepest backcourts in the area, led by senior point guard Josie Salazar.
The Drury commit and all-state honoree averaged 11 points and three rebounds per game last season. Her tenacity sets the tone for Kickapoo.
“She’s the engine that makes our team go,” Hanchey said. “She’ll continue to facilitate our offense while also being one of our main attackers to the rim. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow and solidify her place as one of the best players to come through our program.”
Senior center Lexi Ringgold had a solid season in her debut with the Lady Chiefs. The 6-footer brings power and stretch shooting to Kickapoo’s guard-heavy lineup. Ringgold averaged seven points and four rebounds per game while earning all-conference honors last season.
“Her physicality is exactly what we needed,” Hanchey said. “She does a great job of altering opponent’s shots and will continue to be a strong, physical presence for us. She can finish well at the rim but can also shoot from 3.
“Lexi comes to practice every day wanting to get better and has had a great preseason for us.”
Senior guard Katie Vaughan (2.7 ppg) is the “glue” player every team needs. She provides the Lady Chiefs with intangibles but can also make a positive impact with her perimeter shooting and defense.
“Every player on our team looks up to Katie and defers to her when they need something,” Hanchey said. “She has a nose for the ball and a high basketball IQ. She is the type of player that only cares about winning and she will always do what is best for our team.”
Junior wing Anyiah Doig (6.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg) is a true hooper who can produce anywhere on the court. Doig uses her instincts and competitiveness to overcome any size disparity she may face.
“She’s our bulldog and the ultimate utility player,” Hanchey said. “She was one of our leading rebounders last season because she can read the ball so well. We expect her role to grow.”
Three sophomores return after playing on varsity as freshmen.
Forward Taylyn Whited (4.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg) is an athletic post player who could be poised for a significant leap in production this winter.
“Taylyn can do it all. She’s one of our best post defenders and rebounders. She’s also strong and physical and can play through contact,” Hanchey said.
Sophomores Amari Perry and Ni’Ell Ross add more speed and physicality to Kickapoo’s guard stable.
“Amari is a quick guard who is one of our better on-ball defenders. She has become stronger this offseason and we will look to her to help bring the ball up some,” Hanchey said. “Ni’Ell is tough, plain and simple. She doesn’t back down from any challenge, finishes well at the rim and has worked to improve her shooting.”
The senior guard tandem of Natalie Coons and Bella Bateman provide additional depth and shooting and round out Kickapoo’s returning varsity players.
“Natalie can shoot the 3 and is a quick defender. She is also a great teammate who always does everything we need her to,” Hanchey said. “Bella is a great spot-up shooter and has worked on her defense this preseason. She’s a strong player who will give us depth at guard.”
Kickapoo finished 28-4 overall last season and made another deep postseason run. The Lady Chiefs reached the final four for the fourth time in five years.
Since the 2014-25 season, Kickapoo has won nine district titles, made six final fours (including a state championship in 2016) and won at least 20 games in all but one season during that span.
“We will expect our seniors to continue to carry the torch for our team,” Hanchey said. “We have been fortunate to have strong senior leadership each year I have been at Kickapoo. We have five seniors (this year) that know our program expectations and know what it takes to win big games.”
Kickapoo graduated five seniors from its 2024-25 squad: Mikayla Pilley (Fort Hays State basketball), Mikayla Smith (McPherson College basketball), Allison Scott (Evangel softball), Emily Crain and Ray Hall.
Reinforcements have arrived. The Lady Chiefs will add a trio of transfers to their squad: Anaya Perry (Link Academy), Brooklyn Brandon (Link Academy) and Ari Warren (Glendale). All three are juniors.
Anaya Perry, the older sister of Amari, has star potential and will be one of the top newcomers in the area.
“Anaya is a smooth ballhandler who can get to the rim at will,” Hanchey said. “She can score from the outside as well. Defensively, she has quick hands and can guard in the full court.”
Brandon is rehabbing from a knee injury suffered last spring. When she returns to game action, the versatile forward is another high-impact addition who will give Kickapoo a big boost with her size, scoring and rebounding.
Anaya Perry and Brandon come to Kickapoo from Link Academy in Branson.
Warren, who previously played at Glendale, will switch to brown and gold this season and should add a scoring punch.
“Ari is one of the best pure shooters on our team,” Hanchey said. “She can score inside or out and is a great on-the-ball defender.”
Sophomore guard Carly Catlett, who played on Kickapoo’s JV last season, could also see varsity time in a utility-type role.
“She’s one of our hardest-working players and can play inside or out,” Hanchey said. “She can fill any role we need. Her defense and basketball IQ will help our team.”
Kickapoo opens the regular season Dec. 3-6 at the Willard Basketball Classic. The Lady Chiefs will play their jamboree Nov. 18 at Republic.
“This team has all the potential in the world,” Hanchey said. “It will take every single player to buy-in, play for each other and keep winning at the forefront for us to accomplish what we want this season.”
