Class 3 Teams to Watch
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As the high school season approaches, it is time to take a look at some of the top teams to watch around the state by class. We have previously taken a look at Class 1 and Class 2 teams to…
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Continue ReadingAs the high school season approaches, it is time to take a look at some of the top teams to watch around the state by class. We have previously taken a look at Class 1 and Class 2 teams to watch in early September. Now, it is time to take a look at some of the Class 3 teams to watch.
New Madrid Central: The Eagles battled their way to the state championship last season behind their dynamic duo of 6’5″ 2024 forward Jadis Jones Jadis Jones 6'5" | SF New Madrid Central | 2024 State #248 Nation MO and 6’0″ 2024 guard BJ Williamson. Jones was the Class 3 Player of the Year after averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. Williams averaged nearly 20 points a game last season.
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Lutheran North: The Crusaders made an excellent postseason run, which led to a berth in the state championship game last season. They are led by 6’4″ 2024 guard Bryce Spiller Bryce Spiller 6'4" | SG Lutheran North | 2024 State MO , an All-State player who averaged 18 points a game. Spiller recently committed to Air Force. Izzy Prude, a 2025 guard, hit the game-tying shot against Thayer to send the state semifinal game into overtime. Also returning is 6’5′ 2024 forward Arnez Newton.
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Thayer: The Bobcats return a strong nucleus from last season’s team that finished third in the state tournament. They return 6’3″ 2024 guard Aidan Burns Aidan Burns 6'3" | SG Thayer | 2024 State MO , who averaged 21 points a game during his All-State junior campaign. Also back is 6’6″ 2025 Devin Herrington Devin Herrington 6'6" | SF Thayer | 2025 State MO , who is a double-double machine and 5’9″ 2025 guard Easton Pitts Easton Pitts 5'10" | PG Thayer | 2025 State MO .
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Principia: The Panthers will move up to Class 3 this season after advancing to the Class 2 state championship game last season. They have a loaded squad ready in the second year of Hall of Fame coach Jay Blossom. The top scorer back is 5’10” 2026 Jaylen Edwards Jaylen Edwards 6'0" | PG Principia | 2026 State MO , who averaged 15 points a game. Also back is 6’6 2026 Ben Akoro Ben Akoro 6'7" | SF Principia | 2026 State MO . An impressive newcomer on the scene is 7’0 2024 Aly Tounkara Aly Tounkara 7'0" | PF Principia | 2024 State MO . There is plenty of more talent on hand at all positions for the Panthers.
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Montgomery County: The Wildcats return a strong cast from last year’s 19-8 squad. They return one of the state’s top forwards in 6’8″ 2025 Clayton Parker Clayton Parker 6'8" | PF Montgomery County | 2025 State MO . He is joined by a pair of talented 2025s in 6’0″ point guard Isaiah Thomas Isaiah Thomas 6'0" | PG Montgomery County | 2025 State MO and 6’3″ forward Tyler Erwin Tyler Erwin 6'3" Montgomery County | 2025 MO . New to the mix is 6’2″ 2024 guard Jacob Stellwagen, a sharpshooting transfer from Verona.
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Sparta: The Trojansenjoyed one of their best seasons in recent years as they enjoyed a 24-6record and a berth in the state quarterfinals. They are led by 6’6″ 2024 forward Jacob Lafferty Jacob Lafferty 6'5" | PF Sparta | 2024 State MO , who is one of the most explosive players in the SWMO area. Also returning is 2024 guard Walker Loveland.
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Maplewood: The Blue Devils are looking for another strong season after winning a district championship a year ago. The top player back is 6’3″ 2024 wing Eric Shaw Eric Shaw 6'3" | SG Maplewood | 2024 State MO , who led the team in scoring last year. He has committed to State Fair C.C. Also back is 6’0″ 2026 guard Abraham Nayou Abraham Nayou 6'0" | PG Maplewood Richmond Heights | 2026 State MO , who had a big freshman campaign, and 6’2″ 2025 Micah Boone.
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Cole Camp: The Blue Birds finished with a 22-8 record and advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. They return a pair of All-District players in 2024s Gentry Dieckman and Reid Harrison. Dieckman is a 6’5 forward and Harrison is a 5’11 guard.
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Summit Christian: The Eagles won 20 games last season and return some talented young players. Max Rieger Max Rieger 6'1" | SG Summit Christian | 2025 State MO is a 2025 guard who averaged 16 points a game while 2026 Carter Jeffries Carter Jeffries 6'4" | SF Summit Christian | 2026 State MO averaged 11 points a game. An impressive newcomer on the scene is 6’4 2027 Mike Thomas lll.
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Palmyra: The Panthers return some key players back from last year’s 20-victory season. Back is 6’5 guard Bear Bock Bear Bock 6'3" | SF Palmyra | 2024 State MO , who is a four-year starter, along with 2024 guard Carson Hicks.
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St. Michael the Archangel: The Guardians won 16 games last season while playing a host of young players. Phillip Howard Phillip Howard 6'3" | SG St. Michael | 2026 State MO and Josh Wheeler Josh Wheeler 6'1" | CG St. Michael’s | 2026 State MO are a pair of 2026 guards who return after very productive freshman campaigns.
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St. Pius X: St. Pius advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. They return one of the top guards in Class 3 in 2024 Grant Redd Grant Redd 5'9" | PG St. Pius | 2024 State MO . A four-year starter, Redd averaged 18 points a game last season.
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Mt. View Liberty: The Eagles return some good pieces back from last season’s 18-10 unit. The biggest piece is 5’8″ 2024 guard Terrell Gaines Terrell Gaines 5'8" | PG Mt. View Liberty | 2024 State MO , who is one of state’s most impressive bucket-getters. He is capable of putting up a 30-piece at any time. He is an Austin Peay commit. Also returning are 2024s Carter Pruitt, Brody Rutledge and Adrien Pendergraft.