Way Too Early 2025 Mr. Basketball Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the dead period underway and AAU ramping back up, let's take a minute to look ahead to the high school season and do some early handicapping of the field for the 2025 Mr. Basketball award. Here's a look at contenders for the award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422723' first='Zyree' last='Collins'] (2025, St. Mary's)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collins will have major numbers for St. Mary's and put himself in position to score 2000 career points. The dynamic senior is someone that everybody knows about, yet can't stop. A threat to go for 30+ PTS and 10+ AST on any given night. He has proven that this team will win plenty of games under his leadership. Posting massive performances and winning are the two biggest components for this award and that's why he's at the top of the list. Many thought he would win the award last season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422771' first='Exavier' last='Wilson'] / [player_tooltip player_id='1419857' first='Aaron' last='Rowe'] (2025, Tolton)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson and Rowe have to be grouped together since they are similar prospects at the same position on the same team. There is too much in common to pick one or another. Each will have nights where they're the best player on the floor. There should be great balance all season long. Playing together makes an award like this tougher to win, but both are very much capable. Tolton will draw plenty of eyes and tough games as a result.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1419869' first='Corbin' last='Allen'] (2025, Oak Park)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen is going to be the undisputed leader of a team who went to state last season and look to return again in 2025. At 6'5 he plays every spot on the floor for them. For this reason alone, many would call him the most valuable player in the state. An elite rebounding guard that can run the show. His ability to get in the paint, make others better, and pass is one of his top qualities. The third senior on this list.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790000' first='Ethan' last='Brown'] (2026, Rolla)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown has all the tools to win this award. Doing so as a junior will be tough but he has a chance. A 6'4 guard that will be a top name to track in the state. His shooting, overall skill-set, and improvement each season has put him in contention as the best 2026 regardless of position. Rolla will need to make a deep playoff run for him to contend. The top junior candidate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Which sophomores will be in the conversation and compete down the line?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334869' first='Cameron' last='Barnes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] are two names that will come to mind. Barnes is tough to stop due to his size, strength, and skill. Adkinson is for similar reasons except for in a guard build. Both are at the top of the rankings currently. Keep an eye out for [player_tooltip player_id='2334898' first='Jimmy' last='McKinney Jr.'] as well. The prolific scoring guard will be the man at Vashon following this 2025 class and their graduation. [player_tooltip player_id='2334901' first='Chase' last='Branham'] has to be in the discussion as well. He's a top player in Southern Missouri.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who could be the sleeper in 2025?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1419873' first='Luke' last='Walsh'] has to be the top name here. He had an incredible June and the Vianney team has changed. His ability to score will be needed more than ever and shot volume will increase. Most would consider him the best shooter in Missouri and his motor never stops. Walsh is a player who could potentially average better than 25+ PPG.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->