My Top 25: Missouri’s Best in the 2026 Class

Missouri's class of 2026 is stacked with talent — a deep group of prospects with clear next-level potential. From versatile playmakers to dominant interior forces, these athletes are set to leave their mark this winter. I break down the top 25 players in the class, highlighting what makes each one special and how they're expected to impact games in a big way this season. Note: This list does not include post-grad players.   20. Mavrick Hawkins | 6'3" Guard | Pembroke Hill | ETG Midwest   One of the most explosive athletes in the state, Hawkins brings a rare mix of quickness, vertical pop, and high-motor energy that makes him a constant threat on both ends of the floor. He immediately stands out when watching live action -- his quick hands and defensive instincts lead to frequent deflections and turnovers, which he converts into transition opportunities with speed and flair. In the open floor, Hawkins is a highlight waiting to happen. He's a flashy and forceful finisher above the rim, capable of energizing his team with momentum-shifting dunks. His size and length give him an edge as a slasher and scorer, allowing him to get downhill and finish over smaller guards with ease. Hawkins is also a capable perimeter shooter, boasting a quick and compact release that he gets off effectively -- even against tight coverage. His offensive game continues to evolve, and he's shown the ability to score at all three levels. Last season, Hawkins served as the go-to option for a Pembroke Hill team that steadily improved and played its best basketball down the stretch. For the program to take the next leap and make a deep postseason run, he'll need to be elite -- elevating his offensive production while continuing to be a game-changer defensively.   19. [player_tooltip player_id='1872262' first='Reese' last='Kimrey'] | 6'1" Guard | Kickapoo | [program_tooltip program_id='2075378' first='MPJ' last='Elite']   Reese is a strong, physical lead guard with a high basketball IQ and a true pass-first mentality. He plays with poise and purpose, consistently creating quality looks for others through sharp court vision and timely decision-making. Whether in transition or half-court sets, Kimrey thrives as a facilitator -- especially in ball screen situations, where he reads defenses well and maintains advantages to set up scoring opportunities. Offensively, he's a reliable shooter with a smooth left-handed stroke. He's effective from deep both off the catch and off the dribble, knocking down shots from various spots on the floor with consistency. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a dual-threat when paired with his playmaking skills. On the defensive end, Kimrey brings toughness and grit. He applies pressure at the point of attack, fights through screens, and isn't afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls -- setting the tone with his effort and competitiveness. A key contributor to a highly successful Kickapoo team last season, Kimrey played a major role in their winning formula. As they look to make a deeper postseason push this year, his leadership, shot-making, and two-way impact will be crucial in helping them reach Columbia.   18. [player_tooltip player_id='2344220' first='Lincoln' last='Goodwin'] | 6'4" Guard | Benton | MOKAN   Goodwin has put together an impressive summer, earning multiple offers while continuing to elevate his game. With his length and perimeter skill set, he poses serious challenges for opposing defenses. What makes him especially unique is his versatility -- he's just as effective playing off the ball as he is creating with it in his hands. He excels at breaking down defenses in isolation, consistently finding scoring opportunities or creating for teammates. Lincoln is a dynamic finisher around the rim, particularly in transition where he attacks with aggression and athleticism. His offensive arsenal includes a deep and efficient perimeter shot, along with a crafty mid-range game filled with floaters and pull-ups that make him a tough cover from all three levels. As the season approaches, he'll look to lead Benton back to the state championship game -- this time aiming to finish the job.   17. [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'] | 6'4" Wing | Oak Park | KC Run GMC   Kori returns as a crucial piece from Oak Park's state championship squad, and he immediately stands out the moment you step into the gym with his intensity and elite athleticism -- especially in transition. Defensively, he embraces tough assignments, guarding multiple positions and consistently forcing turnovers with his activity and anticipation. Josh thrives in the open floor, finishing with explosive dunks and powerful takes through contact. In the half court, he brings versatility -- capable of facing up from the elbow, attacking closeouts, and getting into the paint. He's also a relentless rebounder on both ends, particularly on the offensive glass where he generates valuable second-chance opportunities. As he continues to develop his perimeter shot, Kori will be counted on to expand his scoring role this winter, aiming to lead Oak Park on another deep postseason run.   16. Tyseandre Edwards | 6'5" Wing | Central | [program_tooltip program_id='2075324' first='Brad' last='Beal Elite']   A high-level scorer from the wing, Edwards brings a versatile offensive game that checks a lot of boxes. He can initiate offense from multiple spots on the floor -- whether it's the mid-post, perimeter, or interior -- which makes him a difficult matchup and forces defenses to adjust to a variety of looks. Edwards has a smooth, consistent shooting stroke from the outside, paired with the ability to attack the rim aggressively. He's also effective operating out of the dunker spot, finishing above the rim with power. In transition, he's a highlight waiting to happen -- flying down the court and capping off plays with electric dunks that ignite the crowd. Heading into this season, Edwards is focused on elevating his overall impact on both ends of the floor as he aims to lead Cape Central on a deep postseason run.

Missouri's class of 2026 is stacked with talent — a deep group of prospects with clear next-level potential. From versatile playmakers to dominant interior forces, these athletes are set to leave their mark this winter. I break down the top 25 players in the class, highlighting what makes each one special and how they're expected to impact games in a big way this season. Note: This list does not include post-grad players.