Missouri Preseason All-State 3A
Preseason all-state teams are selected based on numerous factors such as winning, overall impact, and statistics. These teams often have players who are in a position of leadership and are the most difficult matchup in their respective districts. Aidan Burns…
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Continue ReadingPreseason all-state teams are selected based on numerous factors such as winning, overall impact, and statistics. These teams often have players who are in a position of leadership and are the most difficult matchup in their respective districts.
Burns has been a highly productive player over the course of his years at Thayer. The 6’3 guard is a pure sniper and can launch from all over the court. He was a key catalyst in their Final 4 run last season. The senior can fill it up from all over the floor and has a high basketball IQ. Skilled in the dribble pull-up game. Burns had a great June and will look to build off that momentum. He’ll be one of the leading scorers in the entire state this season. Look for Burns to have his best year yet and put Thayer into contention as the best team in Class 3.
Spiller recently committed to Air Force and they’re getting one of the most complete offensive guards in Missouri. He’s an athletic three-level scorer that averaged 18.6 PPG last season and was incredible during their playoff run. He uses his bounce to impact on the glass and make difficult shots going towards the rim. His talent propelled Lutheran North back into the spotlight as one of the top private schools in St. Louis. Spiller is an obvious choice for this list because his talent speaks for itself and he’s a winning player.
Parker is a mismatch problem for players in his conference. He has a great combination of size, shooting, and post ability. He overpowers smaller defenders around the rim and brings slower footed bigs out to the perimeter. His footwork both facing up and with his back to the basket stands out. Parker creates easy looks for himself and causes tons of double teams making life easier on those around him. He was a coaches all-state selection as a sophomore and will be even better this season. A skilled 6’7 forward in the middle of the state.
Jones has traits that make him an unstoppable force at times in Southeast Missouri. The 6’5 southpaw is capable of going for 20 points and 20 rebounds on any given night. He’s an above the rim guy who rebounds at an elite level and cleans up his own misses. A graceful athlete in the open floor who will excite crowds with his powerful dunking ability. Jones is the 2nd ranked player in Missouri for 2024 and is our preseason favorite for Class 3 Player of the Year. New Madrid County Central won the state championship last season and Jones was by far the most dominant player on the floor.
Lafferty is one of the most powerful forwards in Southwest Missouri. He has some burst around the rim and plays with aggression on the glass. Simply a highly productive forward that brings intensity each night. He’s 6’5 with a wide base and brings a great combination of footwork and touch on post-ups. Brings added shot blocking on the defensive end. Lafferty is a problem for other coaches because they can’t gameplan or prepare for his raw talent and strength. His motor runs high at all times.