Revisiting Missouri’s 6A Final Four Picture — Who’s Truly Elite?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now a week into February, the race toward the postseason is in full swing with only a few weeks remaining in the regular season. As we all know, March often comes down to which teams are playing their best basketball at the right time — and how the matchups shake out. The teams below have separated themselves from the rest of the field and are in position as legitimate contenders to cut down the nets. Let's take a closer look at their résumés and the players driving their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rockhurst</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Record: 20-0</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Wins: Oak Park (MO), Lee's Summit (MO), Blue Valley (KS), at Bishop Miege (KS), at Rock Bridge (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There's no question that Rockhurst sits atop the field right now and is widely projected to be playing for a state title this spring. The Hawklets remain undefeated and have powered through the competition across the greater Kansas City area on both sides of the state line. Their success is built on depth, experience, and unselfish play, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2090487' first='Cohen' last='Robinson'] as the team's primary creator and leader. Robinson is one of several players on the roster capable of stretching the floor, and that balance allows Rockhurst to play connected, efficient basketball on both ends of the floor — a big reason they've separated themselves as the team to beat.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hueston Saunders and [player_tooltip player_id='2346142' first='Kevin' last='Sullivan'] provide size, physicality, and versatility in the frontcourt, while [player_tooltip player_id='2205734' first='Kemper' last='Roberts'] has emerged as a true difference-maker with his combination of length and perimeter shooting ability. Add in another reliable two-way guard in Max Moylan, and it's easy to see why Rockhurst checks every box needed to be the last team standing in March.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">De Smet</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Record: 17-4</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Wins: at Chaminade (MO), Westminster (MO), Rolla (MO), Christian Brothers College (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>De Smet is widely viewed as the top team out of the St. Louis area in 6A right now, narrowly edging Chaminade in a one-possession win that helped separate the two. Like many contenders, De Smet brings experience to the table, but what separates them is their offensive firepower and ability to score in bunches. At first glance, they may boast the best collection of guards in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='2346155' first='Jordan' last='Boyd'], [player_tooltip player_id='2334929' first='Will' last='Foulk'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1850530' first='Ian' last='Thomas'] form a dynamic backcourt capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways. Boyd and Thomas are strong, well-built perimeter players who can create with the ball in their hands or play off one another. Foulk complements them perfectly, using his quickness and high basketball IQ to break down defenders and create advantages.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Boyd and Thomas are especially effective playing through contact, both in the mid-range and at the rim, while [player_tooltip player_id='1873550' first='Braden' last='Butler'] adds another layer as a highly efficient three-point shooter. This combination allows De Smet to pressure opponents from different angles and keep defenses off balance. Perhaps De Smet's greatest strength is the skill and experience of its backcourt, with the lingering question moving forward being how consistently they can match up with bigger, more physical teams — particularly those that rely heavily on interior scoring and play through the post.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chaminade</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Record: 17-4</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Wins: Putnam City North (OK), at Simeon (IL), at Gonzaga (DC), at Vianney (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It wouldn't be a postseason conversation without mentioning Chaminade. Their body of work speaks volumes — the Red Devils have taken down a number of high-profile programs both across the Midwest and nationally. That experience will be invaluable once the postseason begins. Beyond that, their roster is undeniably deep and talented, blending some of the top players from across the St. Louis area into a formidable lineup.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1446576' first='Jonny' last='Jordan'] is the team's unquestioned leader, topping the roster in both scoring and assists. He makes the plays his team needs when it matters most, providing a true lead-guard presence. This season, he's getting significant support from [player_tooltip player_id='2822906' first='Jesiah' last='Buchanan'], [player_tooltip player_id='2536464' first='Tricy' last='Collins'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2569202' first='Elijah' last='Poniewaz'], all of whom have stepped up as reliable secondary scorers. Collins, in particular, has impressed with his all-around game, doing the little things and anchoring the squad defensively. Mohamed Kourouma rounds out the lineup by adding size and versatility, complementing a talented group of guards. Don't underestimate this team — Chaminade is built to be a force late in the season and will challenge De Smet for supremacy out of the St. Louis area.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lee's Summit</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Record: 16-4</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Wins: Blue Valley (KS), at Nixa (MO), Olathe North (KS), at Staley (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The biggest surprise on this list has to be Lee's Summit. A team that flew under the radar in December has surged up the state rankings and now looks like a legitimate threat to make a Final Four run. The Tigers have consistently raised their level of play against top competition, showing poise, sharp execution, and the ability to close games late. They've continued to stack quality wins, building confidence and momentum from game to game and moment to moment.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2966429' first='Kameron' last='Johns'] brings size and reliability on the perimeter, stretching the floor with deep shooting range while also attacking defenders with aggression and purpose. [player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] adds another layer to the offense, combining size and skill with the ability to score both inside and out, and he's proven he can deliver big-time shots in crunch moments. [player_tooltip player_id='2402990' first='Mekhi' last='McNeil'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2839218' first='Taius' last='Miller'] help round out the rotation, providing experience, steady ball-handling, and additional playmaking. Like others on this list, Lee's Summit plays connected basketball and shows complete trust in everyone who steps onto the floor. With Johns and Daugherty leading the way, the Tigers can match up with virtually any opponent and are comfortable playing a variety of styles — a combination that makes them especially dangerous heading into March.<br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nixa</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Record: 17-2</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Wins: Southmoore (OK), Bentonville (AR), Hartville (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nixa should be a contender when all is said and done. While their schedule hasn't featured a ton of marquee wins, the team has been impressive so far and has a recent track record of being a tough out in the postseason. They play an aggressive, up-tempo brand of basketball, pressuring opponents and pushing the pace, which allows them to take control of games and put their foot on the gas.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Eagles rely on a three-headed attack led by [player_tooltip player_id='2194413' first='Adam' last='McKnight'], [player_tooltip player_id='2967596' first='Randy' last='Flint'], and Ty Kellis. Kellis generates offense with purpose, imposing his will when attacking the rim, while Flint serves as a strong, steady guard who can run the floor and knock down shots from behind the arc. McKnight is the team's engine, doing whatever it takes on both ends of the floor and providing versatility through a combination of size, athleticism, and strength. With a solid supporting cast and bench around these three, Nixa should again have a voice in meaningful March games and could make a deep run if everything clicks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Oak Park</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Record: 15-4</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Key Wins: Staley (MO), Blue Springs South (MO), Millard North (NE), Little Rock Christian (AR), Piper (KS), at North Kansas City (MO)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although Oak Park has looked more vulnerable than ever in recent weeks, they remain the defending state champions and boast the strongest overall collection of wins in the state so far. From the start of the season, they've embraced a “play anyone, anywhere” mentality and showed glimpses of a team capable of repeating. After a humbling loss to Rockhurst, Oak Park has worked to rebuild its confidence, stringing together several wins in the process.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Led by [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'], the Northmen have two proven performers with two-way impact and reliability. Tanner orchestrates the offense across the floor, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, while Kori brings size, skill, and three-level scoring to the guard position. Their ability to match up with bigger teams is bolstered by [player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt'], whose physicality and steady improvement have made him a key piece of the roster. Oak Park is undoubtedly eyeing a postseason rematch with Rockhurst, determined to reverse the earlier result and secure a trip to Columbia in the process.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->