Freshmen of Influence
There have been a number of talented freshmen around the state who have made immediate impact at the varsity level this season. Here is a look at some of those impact players from the Class of 2021
Yaya Keita 6’9″ DeSmet: An emerging young post player who has excellent size, a college body, above average athleticism and a tremendous upside. He can already impact the game at both ends as he averages 11 points, 9.7 rebounds and two blocks a game. He runs the court like a gazelle and he has the mobility to rebound out of his area. He has a nice jump hook in the lane. He is still learning about this game, so the potential for this young man is off the charts.
Anton Brookshire 511″ Kickapoo: The rebuilding process at Kickapoo is in the capable hands of this talented youngster, who has already received offers from Division I schools. He was getting buckets and dropping dimes as an eighth grader during the summer with the Yanders Law 15U team during the summer and that has carried over into his freshman season. He is a smooth ball handler who can get his own shot and create for others.
Isaac Haney 5’10” Dora: A tremendous young bucket-getter on a young up and coming Dora program that features four freshmen starters. Isaac has plenty of offensive tools and a lot of swag in his game. He is currently averaging more than 22 points a game. Combined with fellow freshman triplets Bryson, Mason and Austin Lune, the Falcons will be a factor in Class 1 for a long time.
Mario Fleming 6’3″ Cardinal Ritter: A slashing young combo forward, Fleming has stepped in right away to be a major factor for the Lions, who are once again a big contender in Class 3 this season. He drives to the basket well and is already an excellent finisher around the basket. He is averaging 14 points and five rebounds a game for the 16-7 Lions.
Jonathan Brown 5’10” Hazelwood East: A smooth lefty point guard who has done a nice job as a scorer and ball handler for the Spartans. The highlight of the year was when he knocked down three free throws with no time on the clock to send a game into overtime in a victory over Cardinal Ritter. He is averaging 11 points and nearly three assists a game while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range.
Cachao Gianquinto 6’2″ Battle: A nice sized combo guard who has come in and made big contributions to a veteran Battle team that won a district championship a year ago. He has a good skill set which enables him to get to the basket for buckets or knock down perimeter jumpers.
Kaleb Wofford 6’1″ Nixa: A smooth young guard who has made a big impact in Nixa’s strong program. His presence will make sure that Nixa will stay strong for the future. He has a nice set of handles, good passing ability and a nice stroke from 3-point range. He can knock it down from deep when he is on. He can also put it on the floor and knock down short jumpers and floaters. Very poised young player.
Sharrod Alexander 6’0″ Christian-O’Fallon: Talented point guard who is the head of a strong 2021 class that will keep Christian competitive in Class 3 for years to come. An excellent penetrating guard who can finish at the rim. He is averaging 10 points, three assists and two steals a game.
Joseph Hardimon 5’11” Poplar Bluff: The younger brother of top player Dominique Hardimon, young Joseph is making things happen in Bluff’s backcourt, where he is averaging nearly eight points and three assists a game in his first year of varsity ball.
Quay Jeter 5’10” St. Joe Christian: Christian is currently 17-4 and ranked in the Class 1 Top 10 polls and a big reason why i is the emergence of Jeter as the team’s starting point guard. He is a skilled player who plays with a lot of poise and savvy.
Jeremiah Walker 6’1″ DeSmet: The young point guard is a big part of DeSmet’s loaded Class of 2021 that is getting plenty of varsity run this season. Walker is currently averaging nine points and three assists a game while shooting 47 percent from the field.