Class 5 Teams to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the high school season just around the corner, Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 5 teams around the state. This is a preliminary list as teams could be shifted to a different classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1862295,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/3410392B-AA3A-472E-B148-639D0375F615.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/3410392B-AA3A-472E-B148-639D0375F615.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1862295" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardinal Ritter: The Lions won their third state championship in four seasons last year and a veteran team is back to make another run in 2024. There is plenty of 2024 talent on hand, led by 6'2" point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1427981' first='Clayton' last='Jackson'], 6'0" shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1914113' first='Derrick' last='Rivers'] and 6'5" forward [player_tooltip player_id='1273888' first='Nashawn' last='Davis']. Also back are 6'2" guard [player_tooltip player_id='1571717' first='Ryan' last='Atkins'], 6'4" guard [player_tooltip player_id='1427988' first='Quenton' last='Parker'], 6'5" forward Mekhi Berringer and 6'5" forward James White, who are all 2024s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1463803,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/14E57439-10D5-4946-B337-63056A1E2E3F.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/14E57439-10D5-4946-B337-63056A1E2E3F.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1463803" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sikeston: The Bulldogs will be one of the top teams to watch after advancing to the state quarterfinals last season. They return their top player in 6'5" 2025 wing [player_tooltip player_id='1259029' first='Dontrez' last='Williams'] and pick up impact transfer PJ Farmer, a talented 2025 transfer from Charleston. Also returning are 6'0" 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1553204' first='Tristan' last='Wiggins'] and improving 6'11” 2025 center [player_tooltip player_id='1425731' first='Trace' last='Sadler'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1773299,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Jay-Reynolds.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Jay-Reynolds.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1773299" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cape Girardeau Central: The Tigers return a strong nucleus from last season's SEMO Conference championship team. They are led by 6'3 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1571715' first='Jay' last='Reynolds'], who committed to SEMO. Also back are the talented 2026 pair of 6'3 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1789998' first='Marquel' last='Murray'] and 6'7 forward Tyseandre Edwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1856387,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Jordan-Martin.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Jordan-Martin.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1856387" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jefferson City: The Jays made an excellent postseason run as they finished third in the state tournament. They are led by 6'4 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1424921' first='Jordan' last='Martin'], who averaged 20 points a game last season. He is also a top baseball prospect. Returning up front is 6'8 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1160827' first='Nelson' last='Shinkle']. 6'2 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1858684' first='Rowen' last='Buffington'] and 5'10 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1557433' first='Kendric' last='Johnson'] are a nice young backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1985341,"width":"224px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.3333333333333333","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Luke-Walsh.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Luke-Walsh.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1985341" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:224px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vianney: The Golden Griffins will field a young and talented group this season. They return 6'1 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1419873' first='Luke' last='Walsh'], who is one of the state's top shooters. A pair of 2026s who are back are 6'5 [player_tooltip player_id='1790001' first='Eddie' last='Smajic'] and 7'3 [player_tooltip player_id='1850525' first='Symon' last='Ghai']. Both have received multiple Division l scholarship offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1987919,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Iziah-Purvey.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Iziah-Purvey.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1987919" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webster Groves: The Statesmen should be back in the mix after a rare losing season. They return their top player in 6'5 20/4 [player_tooltip player_id='1259025' first='Iziah' last='Purvey'], who is an UMSL commit. Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1557398' first='Carl' last='Whitehead Jr'] and 2024 Holmes Hansen are also back. A big newcomer on the scene is talented 6'3” guard [player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'], who already has multiple Division I offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2043847,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_4037.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_4037.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2043847" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ladue: The Rams made a nice run to the state championship game last season. They have an athletic team with players such as 6'3 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1430530' first='Sam' last='Goellner'] and 6'1 2024 Dwayne Foley who were key starters last season. Also back are 6'3 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1557475' first='Hayden' last='Arnold'] and 6'2 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1557459' first='Jack' last='Edgerton'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2047596,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_3264.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_3264.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2047596" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pembroke Hill: The Raiders advanced to the Final Four and finished fourth last season. They return a key piece in 2026 sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='1850449' first='Mav' last='Hawkins'], who averaged 20 points in the two Final Four games. A pair of guards who can shoot the ball are 6'3 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1579229' first='Max' last='Sprott'] and 6'2 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2090517' first='Jack' last='Grant'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2040334,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_3181.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_3181.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2040334" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeSmet: The Spartans will field a talented young team that will be in the MCC mix once again. The top returning player is 6'3 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1715259' first='Riley' last='Massey']. Also back are 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1557460' first='Owen' last='Duff'] and 6'2 2026 guard Ian Thornton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>********</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1903891,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/IMG_9527.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/IMG_9527.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1903891" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grandview: The Bulldogs won 20 games a year ago and return a strong dynamic duo in 2024s [player_tooltip player_id='1263625' first='Josiah' last='Kirkwood'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1160821' first='Jayden' last='Renfrow']. Kirkwood is a four-year starter at point guard while Renfrow is a versatile 6'7 forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1678784,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/A1E3EA38-4D56-4095-92A6-94B0DF05330D-scaled.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/A1E3EA38-4D56-4095-92A6-94B0DF05330D-scaled.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1678784" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Borgia: The Knights win 24 games and played for a district championship a year ago. The top player back is 6'6 2024 All-State performer [player_tooltip player_id='1160837' first='Adam' last='Rickman'], who averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds last season. Also back are 6'1 2024 guards [player_tooltip player_id='1579335' first='Brody' last='Denbow'] and Nathan Kell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2082906,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_3910.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/IMG_3910.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2082906" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parkview: The Vikings return a strong group from last year's team that won 17 games. They feature a nice duo of perimeter players in 6'2 2024 combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1579715' first='TJ' last='Hill'] and 6'5 2025 small forward Eli Govan. Holding things down inside is 6'8 2024 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1935914' first='Jamile' last='Johnson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2051536,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_3839.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/IMG_3839.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2051536" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webb City: The Cardinals won 17 games a year ago and return a strong group of perimeter players. The top scorer back is 6'3 2024 guard Barron Duda, who is a three-level scorer. A pair of 2025 guards who are also back are [player_tooltip player_id='1506867' first='Holton' last='Keith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1557471' first='Eli' last='Pace'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->