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<p>As we continue the discussion, let's take a closer look at who High School On SI selected for their Class 5 All-State team. We'll break down the list and highlight why these players have put themselves at the top, earning recognition as some of the best players in Missouri.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] | 6'4" Guard | Junior | Webster Groves</em></strong></p>
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<p>Adkinson, widely regarded as Missouri's top player over the past couple of years, further strengthened his résumé this season. He led a Webster Groves team through a challenging slate of high-profile programs, guiding them to a 21–8 record. On the stat sheet, he averaged 27 points per game while also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out four assists.</p>
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<p>His efficiency as a scorer was strong, as he shot exceptionally high percentages from both the field and beyond the arc. Scottie's play with the ball in his hands also generated a lot of opportunities for his teammates as he's also a willing and capable passer. He continues to draw interest from nearly every program in the country, but he is committed to Missouri and looks ahead to what could be a massive senior season.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1894979' first='Kobe' last='Thomas'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Sikeston</em></strong></p>
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<p>Thomas, the leader of a Sikeston team that finished the season 29–3, emerged as one of the most dynamic guards in the state this year. His quickness and anticipation on both ends of the court made teams consistently look for him at times. Defensively, he disrupted opponents with his energy and ability to read plays, often turning stops into fast-break opportunities.</p>
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<p>Offensively, Thomas consistently attacked the rim with aggression, finishing over much larger defenders while also creating a smooth, reliable touch from long range. Over the course of the season, he put up multiple high-scoring games, proving time and again that he's one of the top true scorers in the region and a player capable of taking over contests.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1872264' first='Oliver' last='Puljic'] | 6'7" Forward | Senior | Rockwood Summit</em></strong></p>
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<p>Puljic, a Maryville commit, finished his senior year as the all-time leading scorer in Rockwood Summit history. His development over the past few years paints a picture of a player who combines size, skill, and mobility, making him one of the bigger matchup problems for teams all around the St. Louis metro area.</p>
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<p>While the Falcons finished the season 15–13, it was Oliver who often carried the team, willing them through competitive games with his dynamic scoring and strong presence on the glass. With his talent and work ethic, he's a player who should continue to benefit from growth and focus at the next level in the years to come.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2528208' first='Chase' last='Duke'] | 6'3" Wing | Junior | Vianney</em></strong></p>
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<p>Chase's season leading Vianney was remarkable, as he guided the team to a 24–6 record while pushing Sikeston to the limit in the postseason. Averaging 17 points and six rebounds per game, it was his ability to impact games by doing the little things on the floor as well as producing from a statistical standpoint that would set him apart. </p>
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<p>Defensively, Chase made plays that often don't show up on the stat sheet, battling for 50/50 balls and creating stops through communication and effective rotation. Offensively, he was a tough matchup with his size on the wing and his aggressiveness attacking the rim. He also showed flashes of long-range shooting and a knack for scoring around the basket through contact. With another year to develop, next season could see an even stronger Chase, leading another Vianney squad capable of making a deep run in the state tournament.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334909' first='Will' last='Powers'] | 6'4" Guard | Junior | Westminster Christian</em></strong></p>
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<p>If there's a player in the state who meant more to his team than Powers this season, I'd like to see it. He carried Westminster to a 20–8 record with a number of huge performances, especially on the offensive end, showing exactly why he's one of the most efficient scorers in the state.</p>
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<p>Powers put up 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals per night — production that speaks for itself and highlights just how important he was on a game-to-game basis. Night in and night out, he delivered. Recruitment-wise, more and more schools have been getting involved with Will recently, and that momentum should only continue to build through the spring and summer. If he keeps trending this way, he has a real shot to be a headline name in the Player of the Year conversation next season.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2348242' first='Tyler' last='Ray'] | 6'4" Wing | Junior | MICDS</em></strong></p>
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<p>Ray might have the fastest-rising stock of anyone on this list right now. After leading MICDS to a state championship, the junior's recruitment is really starting to take off and should only continue to build momentum into the summer. He averaged nearly a double-double all season, putting up 14 points and just under 10 rebounds per game, and he saved some of his best performances for the state tournament.</p>
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<p>His size and strength on the wing is rare and very difficult to match for opponents. He's tough for defenses to handle, using his physicality to get to the rim and finish through contact, while also showing the ability to slash, adjust, and score around defenders in different ways. He brings a high motor on both ends of the floor, consistently turn defense into offense and pressuring opponents. Tyler is definitely a name to watch heading into next season as he looks to lead MICDS back to the state championship and make another run at a title.</p>
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<p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790003' first='Brandon' last='Clemens'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | MICDS</strong></em></p>
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<p>Clemens, Ray's running mate at MICDS this season, was a key piece in leading the Rams with his elusive, skilled play with the ball. Finishing 27–4 and capturing a state championship, MICDS leaned on Clemens to set the tone offensively. He led the team in scoring at 15 points per game while shooting 36% from beyond the arc.</p>
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<p>Throughout the year, he consistently provided both playmaking and scoring, and he was dangerous in transition. His ability to push the ball end to end while staying aggressive as a scorer put defenders in tough spots, often opening up opportunities not just for himself, but for his teammates as well. With Clemens headed to Missouri Southern this fall, it's clear the Lions are getting a talented player with plenty of upside and room to grow.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2352744' first='Henry' last='Kokal'] | 6'9" Forward | Senior | Parkway Central</em></strong></p>
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<p>Kokal was dominant for Parkway Central all season, serving as a true anchor on the interior. His numbers were among the most impressive in the state, finishing with averages of nearly 19 points, 12 rebounds, and close to three blocks per game.</p>
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<p>He consistently took over games around the rim, using his size and presence to play over the top of opponents. An effective and well-rounded finisher — he can power through defenders for dunks or show soft touch with either hand around the basket. With his size and strength, there's little doubt Henry is ready to contribute right away at the next level. Missouri S&T is getting a big-time incoming freshman who should compete for rotation minutes immediately.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2334926' first='Kyrese' last='Simpson'] | 5'11" Guard | Junior | Hillcrest</em></strong></p>
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<p>Simpson, one of the quickest guards in Missouri, led a Hillcrest team that just missed a Final Four run this season, finishing 22–10. His athleticism and ability to accelerate with the ball allowed him to play at a fast pace while consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. Kyrese's stop and start quickness was an asset as he could create advantages often and keep defenses in rotation.</p>
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<p>He's extremely sharp with his handle, able to slip through tight gaps and finish at the rim with both creativity and explosiveness. Time and time again, Kyrese came up big in key moments, knocking down clutch shots and finishing plays in high-pressure situations. He always seemed to want the ball when it mattered most and had a knack for rising to the occasion. As another junior, Simpson is set up for a big-time season next year and should be one of the more exciting players to watch across the state.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Mavrick Hawkins | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Pembroke Hill</em></strong></p>
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<p>Hawkins has been a name to follow around Kansas City for years now, steadily improving each season. He's helped power the Pembroke Hill program to new heights over the course of his career, and he capped it all off this year with his commitment to Vanderbilt, all while continuing to be the engine of the Blue Raider attack.</p>
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<p>After a noticeable and consistent change in his body, adding both strength and size, Mav has taken a clear step forward. What stands out right away is his ability to shoot from the perimeter, but he's just as effective attacking the rim with power and athleticism. Even with opposing defenses keying in on him night after night, he still managed to put together another dominant season. Hawkins should draw plenty of attention next year in the SEC, where he'll have a great opportunity to keep growing and developing as the season goes on.<br></p>
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As we continue the discussion, let's take a closer look at who High School On SI selected for their Class 5 All-State team. We'll break down the list and highlight why these players have put themselves at the top, earning recognition as some of the best players in Missouri.
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