so do you think all the #dudes who said "if lebron wins this series then i'll finally admit he's the goat" when they thought it was an impossible task ... gonna actually stand on their word? or are they just gonna pivot again?
2026 Sports in Kansas Defensive Player of the Year – Bella Bouddhara, Andover (5A)
Bella Bouddhara, a junior, continued to establish herself as one of the top players in Kansas, bringing elite defensive intensity and versatility to a strong Andover team.
Bouddhara averaged 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.8 steals, and 2.5 assists per game, impacting the game on both ends while consistently taking on top matchups defensively. Her ability to apply pressure, create turnovers, and guard at a high level made her one of the most disruptive defenders in 5A.
Already surpassing 1,100 career points, Bouddhara is a two-time AVCTL MVP and proven leader, helping guide Andover to a third-place finish this season.
“We played as a family and pushed each other to get better every day. No matter how competitive we got, we always played selflessly for the team.”
Bouddhara credits her development to coaches Craig and Aaron Nicholson, along with Coach Alexander, for pushing her defensively and helping build her confidence as a leader, as well as Coach Zack Siegrist for developing her love for the game.
With multiple college offers including Wichita State and still more to accomplish, Bouddhara continues to be one of the rising stars in Kansas basketball. #sportsinkansas
Had a great junior season with the best team 💞
- AVCTL MVP and first team
- KSHSAA 5A first team
- SIK large classes defensive player of the year
- SIK 5A first team
I asked Dan Hurley the same question I asked Tom Izzo: why does the media have a problem with coaches coaching players hard?
Hurley: "Society has gotten soft in a lot of ways... The real world is tough and cruel... I'm preparing my players for life."
.@BBouddhara took over after halftime and Andover never looked back.
Her 32 points led the Trojans to a third straight 5A third-place finish.
#kspreps
https://t.co/KIhzIkVqJE
Missouri State freshman Kendal Brueggen has come into her own at an important time as the Lady Bears complete a weekend sweep.
Read it: https://t.co/GHnctUGgeg
Couldn’t be prouder of Leah for reaching her 1,000 career points, but huge shoutout to OHS, her coaches, the announcer, and friends for making last night even more special… oh man they were on top of it!!!! ❤️❤️
After a great conversation with @thecoachtmay, I am very thankful to have received an offer to play for Southern Nazarene University!
Thank you so much for this opportunity @SNUwbb !
I am beyond thankful for the best coaches, teammates, and trainers who have made this accomplishment possible for me. I am so blessed to have achieved this milestone!!All glory to the most high!!🙌🏽❤️🔥 @kmcathletics@kapauncrusaders
After a great conversation with Coach Nooner, I’m blessed to have received a d1 offer from Wichita State University. Thank you so much for believing in me!
First commitment for the 2027 class!!! Big time player who will be a ⭐️ in LOPER BLUE! She is a winner and a relentless competitor! Let’s Goooooooooo! 🤘
#TheLOPERWay#AttackTheDay#LopesUp@UNKWBB