Get ready for an action-packed basketball season in Missouri as we highlight the area's top Class 3 Boys Basketball Players to watch. From dynamic duos to versatile athletes, these players are set to make a big impact on the court. Join us as we dive into their skills, achievements, and what makes them stand out in the game.
Dynamic Backcourt Duo: Bryden Baxter & Spensar Seiger
Meet the dynamic duo of Fair Grove Juniors who dominate both on the gridiron and the hardwood.
Bryden Baxter and Spensar Seiger, the talented Junior players from Fair Grove, are making waves in both football and basketball. Standing out as one of the biggest backcourts in Class 3, they complement each other perfectly on the court. Baxter led Fair Grove in scoring last season, averaging 13 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Seiger showcased his skills as a coach's kid, contributing 8.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
With their exceptional abilities, Fair Grove is set to have one of the most formidable offenses in the Ozarks. Baxter and Seiger run the show, creating an exciting and dynamic playing style that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Aidan Burns: The Steal of Missouri
Discover Aidan Burns, the Thayer Senior who has proven himself as a standout player with unmatched skills and game sense.
Aidan Burns, the 6-foot-3 guard from Thayer, is a true force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. With an impressive track record of winning games, Burns has established himself as one of the top male players in the area.
Known for his ability to make big plays and anticipate the game at a high level, Burns brings a unique skill set to the court. His vision and understanding of the game set him apart, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Collin Clark: The Versatile Unicorn
Meet Collin Clark, the 6-foot-6 junior from Greenwood who defies traditional positions with his exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities.
Basketball is evolving, and players like Collin Clark are leading the way. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-6, Clark possesses a rare combination of shooting, ball-handling, and playmaking skills.
While many expect a player of his size to dominate in the paint, Clark thrives as a big guard. Last season, he averaged an impressive 19 points and 3.2 assists, showcasing his versatility and making him a highly sought-after prospect for Division 1 programs.
Keyton Cook: The Frisco League Player of the Year
Discover Keyton Cook, the Licking Senior who dominated the Frisco League with his scoring and rebounding prowess.
Keyton Cook, the talented senior from Licking, made a name for himself as the reigning Frisco League Player of the Year. With an impressive scoring average of 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, Cook proved to be a dominant force on the court.
His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, evidenced by his 61 triples last season, adds another dimension to his game. As he approaches the 1,000-point mark, Cook continues to leave a lasting impact on the Licking basketball program.
Terrell Gaines: The Elite Scorer
Get to know Terrell Gaines, the Liberty Senior with an unmatched scoring ability and a bright future ahead.
Terrell Gaines, the Austin Peay signee and senior from Liberty, possesses an elite scoring ability that sets him apart from the competition. With an impressive average of 27.4 points per game last season, Gaines is a scoring machine.
His crafty finishing, deadly shooting, and exceptional isolation skills make him a nightmare for defenders. Gaines is on track to become the school's all-time leading scorer, leaving a lasting legacy at Liberty.
Devin Harrington: The Underrated Gem
Discover Devin Harrington, the Thayer Junior with incredible athleticism and the potential to make a big impact on the court.
Devin Harrington, the 6-foot-6 junior from Thayer, is one of the most underrated players in the Ozarks. His athleticism and versatility make him a game-changer in any class, but especially in Class 3.
Last season, Harrington averaged an impressive 13.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his dominance on the boards. With his size and skills, D1 coaches are starting to take notice of Thayer's rising star.
Austin James: The Shooting Sensation
Meet Austin James, the Licking Senior with exceptional shooting skills and a remarkable scoring record.
Austin James, the senior from Licking, is a shooting sensation. If it weren't for his teammate Keyton Cook, James would have been the Frisco League Player of the Year. With an impressive scoring average of 16.9 points per game, James led Licking in scoring last season.
His shooting splits are nothing short of incredible, with a 50 percent field goal percentage, 51 percent from beyond the arc, and 82 percent from the free-throw line. As he reaches the 1,000-point milestone this season, James continues to leave a mark on the Licking basketball program.
Jacob Lafferty: The Double-Double Machine
Discover Jacob Lafferty, the Sparta Senior who consistently dominates the court with his scoring and rebounding prowess.
Jacob Lafferty, the 6-foot-5 senior from Sparta, is a force to be reckoned with. Known for his ability to record double-doubles, Lafferty had an outstanding junior campaign, averaging an impressive 23.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.
With his exceptional performance, Lafferty is set to finish his high school career with an impressive 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. D2 programs across the country are vying for his talents, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact at the collegiate level.
Landon Murry & Joe Gordon: The Dynamic Duo of El Dorado Springs
Meet Landon Murry and Joe Gordon, the El Dorado Springs players who have been instrumental in their team's success despite coaching changes.
Landon Murry and Joe Gordon, the talented players from El Dorado Springs, have played a pivotal role in their team's success over the past two years, despite facing coaching changes. Murry, the super shifty point guard, possesses incredible skills, while Gordon, a junior, showcases his athleticism on the court.
Despite having their third different head coach this season, Murry and Gordon continue to excel and contribute to their team's performance. Their resilience and adaptability make them a formidable duo to watch out for.
Ian Ngugi: The Sharpshooting Guard
Discover Ian Ngugi, the Lamar Senior known for his sharpshooting skills and ability to attack the rim.
Ian Ngugi, the senior guard from Lamar, is a sharpshooter with a unique playing style. His ability to shoot from both beyond the arc and attack the rim makes him a valuable asset to his team.
With an impressive average of 20 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game last season, Ngugi is a favorite to win the Big 8 Player of the Year award. His basketball analytics dream style of play keeps defenders on their toes, making him a player to watch out for.
Other Players to Watch
Explore the talented players who didn't make the main list but are still worth keeping an eye on this season.
While the main list highlights some of the top players to watch, there are several other talented athletes who deserve recognition. Players like Tyler Barnett and Blake Winterberg from Fair Grove, Brady Brookshire from Houston, Ryder LaBee from Pleasant Hope, Brendyn Paulson and Kasen Holder from Southwest, Easton Pitts and Rowan Spencer from Thayer, Garrett Smith and Asher Rust from Sarcoxie, Roston Stockard from Licking, Tyler Vaughan from Conway, and Garrett Winslow from Greenwood are all worth keeping an eye on.
