Prospect Watch: Drew Apsher (2017)
Class of 2017 guard Drew Apsher of Smithton has stood on the shoulders of some talented family members to enjoy a tremendous prep basketball career.
The 6’0″ Apsher finished his stellar career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with close to 2,000 points. The previous record holder at Smithton was his older brother Dane Apsher. Before Dane, there was another older brother, Dirk, who was also a standout basketball player. The two older brothers merely set the stage for young Drew, who was one of the top scoring threats in Mid-Missouri throughout his career.
“Growing up and playing with them was huge,” Drew Apsher said. “Without them, I’d for sure not be the player I am today. Getting that recognition for that record felt good to me because I know that I’ve worked really hard on my game and spent a lot of time practicing and trying to become a scoring threat. With it being my older brother’s record seemed fitting because we’d grown up competing and going against each other. When we were younger, he’d always beat me, so I guess I got him back.”
Apsher’s scoring prowess has earned him interest from schools such as William Woods, Grinnell and Bellevue (NE). Apsher has also earned a number of postseason honors as well for his efforts. He was selected to the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 2 All-State Team. He was also selected to the All-Kaysinger Conference First Team.
Apsher averaged more than 25 points a game as a senior in leading Smithton to a 20-7 season and a berth in the Class 2 district championship game. He enjoyed one huge highlight in the district semifinals when he scored 31 points to lead Smithton to a big upset over a once-beaten Lincoln team.
“Beating Lincoln felt like a big accomplishment,” he said. “I’ve been playing that same group of seniors since third grade. We’ve had a ton of tight games, but getting this one felt great, especially since it was in districts and in front of our home crowd.”
Apsher will be in action this weekend playing for the Central All-Stars at the annual Missouri Basketball Challenge, which will be held at Drury University in Springfield.
(photo courtesy of Missouri Roundball Preview)