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Prep Hoops Missouri continues its preseason previews with a look at the Central Ozark Conference. Nixa advanced to the Class 6 state championship game last year. The Eagles are in a transition with a new coach and several new starters…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri continues its preseason previews with a look at the Central Ozark Conference. Nixa advanced to the Class 6 state championship game last year. The Eagles are in a transition with a new coach and several new starters in the lineup. Joplin, Carthage, Webb City and Republic will also field strong units this season.
THE STARTING FIVE
Kael Combs Kael Combs 6'4" | SG Nixa | 2023 State MO (Nixa): The 6’4″ 2023 guard is a two-sport standout who is also a Division I prospect in football. As a junior, he averaged 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and shot 46 percent from 3-point range in leading the Eagles to a runner-up finish in the Class 6 state tournament.
All Wright All Wright 6'4" | SG Link | 2024 State MO (Joplin): A talented 6’4″ shooting guard who is one of the top offensive threats in the SWMO area. He is currently the No. 1 player in the latest Prep Hoops Missouri Class of 2024 rankings. He averaged 18 points a game as a sophomore.
Max Templeman Max Templeman 5'10" | PG Carthage | 2023 MO (Carthage): A 5’9″ 2023 point guard who returns after earning All-Conference honors as a junior. He is very effective when he’s attacking the basket. He averaged 15.8 points and 3.5 assists a game last season.
Ahlante Askew Ahlante Askew 6'1" | PG Republic | 2023 State MO (Republic): The 6’2″ 2023 point guard is one of the best two-way backcourt players in the state. He is a tremendous defensive player who also averaged 15.4 points and 4.2 assists a game.
Jace Whatley Jace Whatley 6'5" | PF Ozark | 2024 State MO (Ozark): A 6’5″ 2024 forward who is a very effective inside player who competes hard on the boards. As a sophomore, he averaged 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.
BEST OF THE REST
2023
Noah Engelman (Nixa)
Ayden Bard (Carl Junction)
Terrence Gibson (Joplin)
Ky Warren (Carl Junction)
Clay Kinder (Carthage)
Kamari Edwards (Republic)
Trey Roets (Webb City)
2024
Justin Ray Justin Ray 6'1" | PG Carthage | 2024 State MO (Carthage)
Garrett Hines Garrett Hines 6'4" | SF Nixa | 2024 State MO (Nixa)
Whit Hafer Whit Hafer 6'7" | PF Joplin | 2024 State MO (Joplin)
Barron Duda (Webb City)
Cooper Wilken (Willard)
2025
Brenley Hagewood Brenley Hagewood 6'0" | PG Republic | 2025 State MO (Republic)
Holton Keith Holton Keith 6'1" | PG Webb City | 2025 State MO (Webb City)
Cohen George Cohen George 6'10" | PF Ozark | 2025 State MO (Ozark)
2026
Jackson Cantwell (Nixa)