New names in 2021: Postseason Stock Risers

<p>During the recent state playoffs, there were a group of Class of 2021 players who were relatively unknown, but came to the forefront in a big way. Here is a look at a few of those new names who became big stock risers in the month of March.</p> <p>Cameron Liggins 6’2" Kickapoo: The talented wing put together a huge postseason in helping lead the Chiefs to a Final Four berth in the state tournament. He averaged 21 points a game in the state tournament, starting with 19 points in the district championship victory over Nixa. He followed up with a season-high 30 points in a win over Joplin in the sectionals and 25 points against Rock Bridge in the quarterfinals. He did a nice job slashing to the basket while also knocking down a bunch of 3-pointers off the catch. His emergence along with the presence of All-State point guard [player_tooltip player_id="583709" first="Anton" last="Brookshire"], should give Kickapoo one of the top backcourts in the state next season.</p> <p>Braden Branstetter 6’3" Hartville: The talented wing had an excellent Final Four in Springfield as Hartville powered its way to the Class 2 state championship. Branstetter averaged 23.5 points in the two Final Four games while shooting well above 60 percent from the field. In the semifinals against Milan, he scored a game-high 27 points, including and 11 for 15 performance from the field and four 3-pointers. He followed up with 20 points in the state championship game against Skyline on nine of 13 shooting from the field.</p> <p>Noah Copeland 6’2" Kirksville: An athletic wing who enjoyed a big month Kirksville to the Class 4 state quarterfinals. The biggest performance came in the sectionals when he scored 36 points in a big come-from-behind victory over St. Dominic. He took over in the fourth quarter to rally his team back from a 16-point second-half deficit. He is strong and very good when he is in attack mode and getting to the basket. He is also very active on the defensive end with quick hands and the ability to dart into passing lanes. He scored a game-high 24 points in Kirksville’s victory over Fulton in the district finals.</p> <p>Lane Dunlap 6’0" Golden City: The junior guard came on strong down the stretch as he helped Golden City to a Final Four berth in the state tournament. He provided an excellent complimentary scoring option to All-State guard [player_tooltip player_id="822966" first="Arlo" last="Stump"] with his driving and 3-point shooting. He erupted for 30 points in a victory over Rich Hill in the sectionals, then followed up with 16 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Green City in the state quarterfinals. He finished the season with 15 points and six rebounds in a loss to St. Elizabeth in the state semifinals.</p>