A Look at Class 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we embark on a new season this week, Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top players and top teams in Class 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>THE STARTING FIVE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2292086,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1422723' first='Zyree' last='Collins']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Mary's","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='2075324' first='Brad' last='Beal Elite']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6747331d55d91"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'0" 2025 guard enters his senior season as the school's career leading scorer. He is a three-level scorer who can also make his teammates better with his passing. As a junior, he averaged 31 points a game to lead the St. Louis metro area in scoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1419873"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6747331d55dfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 6'2" 2025 guard who has been lighting it up for the Golden Griffins since his freshman season. His shooting range extends well beyond the 3-point line. As a junior, the Southern Illinois recruit averaged 22.9 points a game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. He made 89 3-pointers last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1856387,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1424921' first='Jordan' last='Martin']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Jefferson City","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6747331d55e7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 6'6" 2025 forward who had led the Jays to back-to-back Final Four appearances in the state tournament. He is a dominant force on offense from 15 feet on in. As a junior, he averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds a game in leading Jeff City to a berth in the Class 5 state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2295946,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1850526' first='Tristan' last='Reed']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"John Burroughs","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"MoKan Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6747331d55ef8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 6'8" 2026 power forward who is a physical force inside as a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. As a sophomore, he averaged 16 points, nine rebounds and nearly three blocks in leading the Bombers to a berth in the Class 4 state championship game. He holds a number of scholarship offers from Power 4 collegiate programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2673028,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"PJ Farmer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sikeston","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='2075378' first='MPJ' last='Elite']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6747341f369f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 6'2" 2025 point guard who is one of the top players in the SEMO area. He is a three-level scorer with excellent athletic ability. As a junior, he averaged 18 points a game in helping the Bulldogs to a 26-2 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals. He has already signed with SEMO.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A DOZEN MORE PLAYERS OF NOTE</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1790000' first='Ethan' last='Brown'] (Rolla): The 6'4" 2026 guard is one of the top bucket-getters in the state. He is a three-level scorer who has averaged North of 20 points in his first two varsity seasons. He has multiple Division I scholarship offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1422818' first='Keion' last='Epps'] (Springfield Central): A 6'1" 2025 point guard who led the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in the Class 6 state tournament. He averaged 17.8 points, eight assists and three steals a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1557399' first='Sheek' last='Pearson'] (John Burroughs): A 6'11" 2026 forward who helped lead the Bombers to a berth in the Class 4 state championship game. He has received multiple scholarship offers from high-major collegiate programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] (Webster Groves): A 6'3" 2027 guard who had a major impact season as a freshman with the Statesmen. He averaged 16 points a game in his debut varsity season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2113567' first='Logan' last='Hillman']n (Helias): A 6'4" 2026 guard who is one of the top players in the Mid-Mo area. He averaged 17 points, four rebounds and three assists last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2334950' first='Tyran' last='Frazier'] (Hazelwood East): A 6'10" 2027 forward who has the talent to score inside and on the perimeter. As a freshman, he averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1424397' first='Ramello' last='Smith'] (Raytown): A 6'0" 2025 point guard who has been running the show since his freshman season. He averaged 16 points a game last season in leading the Bluejays to a berth in the state quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eli Govan (Parkview): A 6'6" 2025 forward who returns after averaging 12 points and seven rebounds a game to lead the Vikings. He is a high energy player who can score inside and rebound.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Thomas III (Summit Christian): A 6'6" 2027 forward who was an impact freshman at both ends of the floor. He averaged 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in helping lead SCA to a berth in the Class 3 state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1850450' first='Antonio' last='Fowler'] (Winnetonka): A 6'4" 2026 guard who averaged 12 points, five rebounds and three assists in helping lead 'Tonka to a Final Four berth in the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2194999' first='Miles' last='Simpson'] (Webster Groves): A 6'6" 2028 small forward who is one of the nation's top freshman prospects. He is expected to be an immediate impact player for a strong Statesmen team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1425731' first='Trace' last='Sadler'] (Sikeston): A 7'0" 2025 forward who has excellent athleticism and mobility. He is also a strong rim protector. He has signed with nearby SEMO.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*******</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A FEW TEAMS TO WATCH</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sikeston: The Bulldogs will once again to a strong contender with several top players returning, led by a pair of SEMO recruits in 6'2" PJ Farmer and 7'0" center [player_tooltip player_id='1425731' first='Trace' last='Sadler']. Also back are a trio of 2025 guards in [player_tooltip player_id='1553204' first='Tristan' last='Wiggins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1887581' first='Lekereon' last='McCray'] and Chris Artis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helias: The Crusaders should field one of the top teams in the state this season. They are led by 6'4" 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2113567' first='Logan' last='Hillman']. Also returning are 6'6" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2536470' first='Alex' last='Wood'] and 2025 guards [player_tooltip player_id='2119122' first='Sam' last='Lopez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1581548' first='Alex' last='Schonhardt']. New to the fold is 6'3" 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1858684' first='Rowen' last='Buffington'], a transfer from Jefferson City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springfield Central: The Bulldogs are in Class 5 this season after making a run to the Final Four of the Class 6 tournament last season. They return a host of talent, led by 6'1" 2025 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1422818' first='Keion' last='Epps'], 6'6" 2025 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1425344' first='Bryce' last='Walker'], 6'1" 2025 guard xx Sanford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Mary's: The Dragons won 21 games a year ago with its up-tempo and pressing defense. They return one of the state's top guards in 6'0" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1422723' first='Zyree' last='Collins']. Also back are 6'3" 2026 forward [player_tooltip player_id='2536477' first='Gary' last='Johnson'], 5'9" 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2477416' first='Ethan' last='Smith'], 6'2" 2025 guard Caden Ward and 6'1" 2027 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2334951' first='Xavier' last='Clark'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webster Groves: The Statesmen return a strong nucleus of players, led by one of the top young duos in the state in 6'3" 2027 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] and 6'6" 2028 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2194999' first='Miles' last='Simpson']. The Statesmen also return 6'5" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1598821' first='Brady' last='Schuettpelz'], 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1557398' first='Carl' last='Whitehead Jr']. and 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1651977' first='Quincy' last='Williams'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>John Burroughs: The Bombers are up in Class 5 after advancing to the state finals in Class 4 last season. They boast a talented front line in 6'8" 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1850526' first='Tristan' last='Reed'], 6'11" 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1557399' first='Sheek' last='Pearson'] and 6'5" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1557486' first='DJ' last='Johnson']. Also back are the backcourt of 6'3" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2554727' first='Owen' last='Walther'] and 5'8" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2544909' first='Max' last='Steinbach'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ladue: The Rams finished with a 26-3 record and they return a good nucleus of talent, which includes 6'3" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2427989' first='Jack' last='Edgerton'], 6'3" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1557475' first='Hayden' last='Arnold'], 5'8" 2025 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2546174' first='Trisiah' last='Edwards'] and 6'1" 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2090515' first='Isadore' last='Ba'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parkview: The Vikings should field one of the top teams in the SWMO area. They return their top player in 6'6" 2025 forward Eli Govan, along with 6'4" 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='2126248' first='Dassiah' last='Green'], 5'5" 2025 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2544920' first='Carlitos' last='Sanchez'] and 6'1" 2025 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2576011' first='Christian' last='Cordova'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helias: The Crusaders return a talented group of players from a team that played for a district title last season. The top scorer back is 6'4" 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2113567' first='Logan' last='Hillman']. Also returning are 6'6" 2026 forward [player_tooltip player_id='2536470' first='Alex' last='Wood'] and 2025 guards [player_tooltip player_id='2119122' first='Sam' last='Lopez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1581548' first='Alex' last='Schonhardt']. New to the mix is 6'3" 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1858684' first='Rowen' last='Buffington'], who comes over from Jefferson City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vianney: The Golden Griffins advanced to the Final Four last season, where they finished third in the state tournament. They return All-State guard [player_tooltip player_id='1419873' first='Luke' last='Walsh'] for his fourth and final varsity season. Also back are guards [player_tooltip player_id='2090504' first='Ben' last='Karsten'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2346715' first='Brock' last='Long']. New to the front court will be 7'1" 2028 forward [player_tooltip player_id='2564264' first='Mamadou' last='Barry'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Farmington: The Knights are the top team in St. Francois County and are primed for a big season. They return a pair of excellent 2025 standouts in 6'2 guard Logan Schaupert and 6'5 forward Cannon Roth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raytown: The Bluejays were 21-7 last season and advanced to the state quarterfinals. They return one of the state's top backcourt tandems in 6'0" 2025 point guard Romello Smith and 6'3 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1881823' first='Larry' last='Porter'] Jr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winnetonka: The Griffins made a nice run to the Final Four of the state tournament last season. They return three strong players in 6'4" 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1850450' first='Antonio' last='Fowler'], 6'3" 2025 guard Jaylen Craig and 6'3" 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1887557' first='Ryan' last='Barnhart'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->