Confidential
Jacob Lafferty. He is the most athletic player in the area and our game plan for him was more specific and took more attention than anyone else we played this year. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was special. Everything Sparta did revolved around him and watching him be a great teammate and willing passer was part of his game that impressed me.
Keion Epps from Central. He rarely turns the ball over and is stronger than most point guards. Controls the game by either scoring or passing.
Ethan Brown and Amare Witham were the best two players this year I coached against. They both are so dynamic with the ball and their coaches run stuff that really suits their games
Justin Ray (Carthage). He could score from all three levels with a quick release. He had ability to take his defender off the dribble and rise over players to finish. Great basketball IQ and a tough competitor.
Brown from Rolla. He does it all, if you double him he dices you with the pass, he can score beyond the arc, midrange and in the paint. High IQ and high talent.
Tyrique Brooks of Central High School. He has no weaknesses in his game. He can shoot, drive and distribute to others as well as anyone in SWMO. Throw in he is surrounded by other great players and it makes him a matchup nightmare.
Girls high school basketball
Ashlen Garrett (Skyline) was the best I saw and we saw her twice. We were pretty good defensively and we couldn’t do anything with her.
Misora Nambara from Republic. She literally can change the outcome of any game with her speed, basketball IQ, shooting ability and defense. Her ability to impact a game on any level was incredible to watch and so frustrating to go against!
Mikayla Pilley from Kickapoo. Plays on both ends. Scores inside and out and is an unbelievable offensive rebounder. The defensive end is long and athletic.
Kenzi Cheek, Skyline. She just takes over the game. She has the ability to score at all three levels and when her team needs a bucket she just finds a way to get a look. Defensively she plays longer than she is and always seems to be around the ball.
Allyssa Joyner and Olivia Lawson from West Plains, Willow Gideon from Rolla. Nambara from Republic was just solid all year. Kylee Cole from Aurora shot the 3 ball really well.
Kenzi Cheek and Ashlen Garrett. There are several players in the area who can score at a high level, but the way these two defend and compete sets them apart from the rest. They have the traits that are ingrained at Skyline and they will do whatever it takes to win. I wouldn’t want to see them as an opposing player or coach next season
Misora Nambara. She was just so steady and couldn’t get her rattled. She was a tremendous leader at Republic. Her floor experience shined through.
Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield NewsLeader. You can contact him at 417-3716987, by email at wwheeler@news-leader.com or X at @WyattWheeler_NL.