Way Too Early Class 1 Teams to Watch
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The high school season will begin in less than three months, but it’s never too early to take a look at who will be the top teams in the state. With that in mind, Prep Hoops Missouri presents its Way…
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Continue ReadingThe high school season will begin in less than three months, but it’s never too early to take a look at who will be the top teams in the state.
With that in mind, Prep Hoops Missouri presents its Way Too Early look at the top Class 1 teams to watch. Since it’s still mid-September, much can such as schools being moved into different classes, injuries, transfers and other circumstances.
South Iron: The Panthers finished with a 28-4 record and won their third consecutive state title last season. They return two top players from that team in 6’2 2025 guard Sawyer Huff Sawyer Huff 6'2" | SG South Iron | 2025 State MO and 6’3 2024 guard Marquis Burse Marquis Burse 6'2" | SG South Iron | 2024 State MO . Both are versatile two-way performers with athleticism and scoring ability.
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Atlanta: The Hornets won 25 games last season and advanced to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. They return 6’0″ 2024 guard J.J. White, who was an All-District selection last season. Also back is 6’5″ 2025 forward Kevin Spearman, who is a solid inside player.
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Brunswick: The Wildcats finished 22-8 and won a district championship last season with a host of underclassmen playing key roles. They return three All-District players in 2025s Colby Jenkins, Troy Zielstra and Ben Rice, who are all 2025s. Also back is 2025 point guard Chris Artis.
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Chadwick: The Cardinals finished 20-6 and advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. The top player back is 6’3″ 2025 guard Clayton Garrison Clayton Garrison 6'2" | SG Chadwick | 2025 State MO , an explosive athlete who was an All-State selection last year. Also returning in 2025 All-District selection Tristan Smith.
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Glasgow: The Yellowjackets finished 23-8 and advanced to the Final Four of the state tournament, where they finished fourth last season. They return their top scorer in 2024 guard Jordan Fuemmeler Jordan Fuemmeler 6'0" | PG Glasgow | 2024 State MO , who was an All-State selection. Also back is 6’3″ 2026 Jackson Meyer Jackson Meyer 6'3" | SG Glasgow | 2026 State MO , who provided excellent 3-point shooting as a freshman starter.
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Green City: The Gophers will field another strong team after last year’s unit finished 25-4 and advanced to the state quarterfinals. They have a group of excellent guards, led by 5’10” 2025 point guard Xander Salas Xander Salas 5'11" | PG Green City | 2025 State MO , who has been a starter since he was a freshman. Also back in the fold will be 5’11” 2024 Asher Buggs-Tipton and 5’7″ 2025 sharpshooter Ty Hall.
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Grundy County: The Panthers won 25 games and played for a district championship last season. They return 6’2″ 2025 guard Corbin Axtell Corbin Axtell 6'0" | CG Grundy County | 2024 State MO , who averaged 18 points a game to earn All-State honors last season. Also back is 2024 Zachary Cross, who averaged 11 points a game to earn All-District honors.
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Higbee: The Tigers have a strong cast returning from last year’s 24-5 team. The top player back is 6’0″ 2024 guard Derek Rockett Derek Rockett 6'0" | CG Higbee | 2024 State MO , an All-State selection who is already the school’s all-time leading scorer. Also returning are a pair of capable 2024s in 6’3″ forward Jaxson Hudson and 6’2″ guard Will Spillman.
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Platte Valley: The Valley finished with a 29-3 record and advanced to the Final Four of the state tournament, where they finished third. They return an All-District performer in 2024 guard Alex Mattson.
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Risco: The Tigers return a strong group of underclassmen who won 15 games and played for a district championship a year ago. The top returning players are 6’0″ 2025 Layden Kellum, 6’0″ 2025 Sammy Smith Sammy Smith 6'3" | SG Risco | 2025 State MO and 2025 Reiley Calvert.
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Richland (Essex): The Rebels won a district championship last year with a team full of underclassmen. They return a trio of All-District players in 2024 Jaden Pope and 2025s Hunter Sanders and Eric Williams. Also returning will be 2025 Tucker Hughes.