Midseason Awards
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If the season ended today, who would be the Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year in Missouri? Those questions are answered below. Player of the…
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Continue ReadingIf the season ended today, who would be the Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year in Missouri? Those questions are answered below.
Player of the Year
Winner: Jadis Jones Jadis Jones 6'5" | SF New Madrid Central | 2024 State #248 Nation MO
Jones has taken his game to another level this season. He’s the current favorite to win POY in his class and throughout the state. Being that he’s playing in Class 3, however, it’s vital that he makes the state championship game. His numbers speak for themselves and winning state would make him the obvious choice.
Runner-Up: Zyree Collins Zyree Collins 6'0" | PG St. Mary's | 2025 State #338 Nation MO
Collins has been the best offensive player in the state this season. He has St. Mary’s sitting at 19-1 on the year and has accounted for over 40 points of offense in more than a handful of games this season. He’s an electric scorer with the ball and makes everybody around him better. He’s the top 2025 candidate for this award.
Freshman of the Year
Winner: Cameron Barnes
This is a close race. Barnes wins a toss-up due to his ability to impact the game on defense and the glass. He’s a physical presence at 6’7 and makes for a terror in transition. His shooting has been a pleasant surprise. His ability to impact winning and be a great player in Class 6 this early speaks volumes.
Runner-Up: Scottie Adkinson Scottie Adkinson 6'3" | SG Webster Groves | 2027 State MO
Adkinson will be the favorite for folks on the St. Louis side of the state and for good reason. He’s a must see talent who excites crowds with big dunks and slashing. He has been excellent on the defensive side of the ball. If his team makes a deep run this award could flip in his favor.
Defensive Player of the Year
Winner: Tristan Reed Tristan Reed 6'8" | PF John Burroughs | 2026 State MO
Reed is only a sophomore but the best apparent option for this award. He has been dominating the glass and game as a shot blocker recently. He single handedly makes John Burroughs a tough out. Reed has long arms, a strong body, and moves very well. It’s common for bigs to win Defensive Player of the Year and that’s why we’re leaning his way.
Runner-Up: Dehrio McCaskill Dehrio McCaskill 6'4" | SG Vashon | 2025 State MO
Going with Vashon’s top wing defender is never a bad option and we’ve chosen McCaskill in this case. He’s a supreme athlete at 6’4 with the ability to stick any guard in the state. He blocks shots off the glass and makes life difficult. He pressures the ball at a high level and has a high motor.
Most Improved Player
Winner: Riley Massey Riley Massey 6'3" | PG De Smet Jesuit | 2025 State MO
Massey was good as a sophomore but has officially taken the next step during his junior season. De Smet is red hot and he’s the leader of the team. A taller PG at around 6’3, he makes shots and plays with a very high IQ. Massey is a definite college prospect and simply got better in all elements of the game.
Runner-Up: Symon Ghai Symon Ghai 7'3" | C Vianney | 2026 State MO
It was tempting to make Ghai the winner of this award. His development as of late has been alarming. He’s a game changing defensive player who has learned more on offense and looks comfortable. He’s taking coaching and improving quickly. Ghai is the unsung hero on a Vianney team that has high hopes heading into the playoffs.
Coach of the Year
Winner: Sherron Collins
Collins is 16-1 at Oak Park in his first season. They’re the Class 6 favorites. There’s not much more to say. He’s coaching as well as anybody in the state.
Runner-Up: Bryan Turner
St. Mary’s is 19-1 and it’s incredible how Turner continues to maximize his roster with mostly guards. He adjusts as well as anybody in the state and plays a style that teams struggle against. Turner is a coach that puts his best players in great situations.