15 Intriguing Teams for Next Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before we head off to grassroots we want to take a quick look ahead to the next high school basketball season.&nbsp; Here are 15 Intriguing Teams for Next Season at this stage!&nbsp; We have broken them down into different categories.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defending Champs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cardinal Ritter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ritter will graduate nearly all of their production but coaching and development are staples of the program. Ryan Johnson has athletes at different spots and will reload.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>De Smet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State champions that will return their entire team. They're a dangerous 4 out 1 in or 5 out offense with shooting all over the floor. Very well coached. A tough team to stop when they're running and shooting threes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vashon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They should be able to play a national schedule with this strong 2025 class. A number of 2027s such as Jimmy McKinney and Leon Powell will step into larger roles. They'll once again be a top team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elite 2027s Lead the Way</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lee's Summit West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334869' first='Cameron' last='Barnes'] is the main attraction. He's a national prospect that will be well known after playing this summer on the EYBL circuit. At 6'7 he's a tough cover and scores at will. How the team is built around him will be key.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Webster Groves</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] is a premier athlete that can find his own offense and take defensive matchups. There are some shooters returning. Filling the [player_tooltip player_id='1259025' first='Iziah' last='Purvey'] role will be crucial as they enter June to play as a team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Logan-Rogersville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334901' first='Chase' last='Branham'] is ready to break out in his second season. He gave viewers a glimpse of what he can become during state. Per usual, they'll be well coached and run an efficient offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Host of Prospects</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chaminade</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaminade has a number of 2025 prospects that will play at the next level. In 2026 there are a number of Top 10 players. Guard play, size, athletic ability… they have a little bit of everything.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Vianney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quite possibly the best Big 3 in the state plays at Vianney. Walsh, Smajic, and Ghai are going to contribute well over 50+ PPG next season. A fun trio to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Burroughs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The prospects are in the frontcourt for this team. Reed and Pearson are a dynamic defensive duo that defend the rim better than anybody. Can they replace the guard production from [player_tooltip player_id='1160822' first='Ramzi' last='Salem']?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Central Missouri</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Father Tolton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson and Rowe are back for one more season. Pingeton is another 6'6 wing that will be a key player. This 2025 class has been building for multiple years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rock Bridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A surprise team from last season. They're well coached and play their game. Well balanced. Experienced guards paired with productive frontcourt players will make this team a difficult out in the Columbia area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Senior Led</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sikeston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sikeston is a team with a senior led trio. Farmer, Wiggins, and Sadler will make plenty of highlight plays. Finding out who will round out their starting 5 is crucial.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Mary's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1422723' first='Zyree' last='Collins'] is back and will look to win Mr. Basketball. He's a one man wrecking crew and a senior. He determines the ceiling of this team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen, Estes, Brown, and a host of other 2025s will be back trying to win a state championship for Sherron Collins. They have the talent. Playing their style of basketball is key.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Springfield Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Epps, Walker, and Wells are all named to know in the region. Springfield Central has become a true contender in the state. They're a wild card in Class 6. Talented with years of chemistry developed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->