Missouri Preview: Central Missouri Activities League Headlines

The Central Missouri Activities League has built a long-standing reputation as one of the most competitive and talent-rich conferences in the region. Year after year, it produces programs known for their discipline, athleticism, and commitment to excellence. This season promises to uphold -- and potentially elevate -- that standard. Across the league, rosters are filled with rising stars, seasoned veterans, and multi-sport standouts who have already begun to draw attention at both the state and regional levels. Nearly every program features at least one premier player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor, making the league as deep and dynamic as it has been in recent memory.   Several teams look primed for extended postseason pushes, supported by coaching staffs that have shown a clear ability to develop talent, implement effective systems, and prepare their athletes for high-pressure moments. Collectively, the league's blend of strong player development, high-level coaching, and competitive balance has set the stage for a season that could be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in years.   With numerous programs possessing the personnel and coaching to finish atop the standings, the battle for the league crown is shaping up to be a tightly contested race. No team enters the season without a realistic shot at playing meaningful games deep into the winter, and the margin between finishing first and finishing in the middle of the pack may be thinner than ever.   In this article, I will break down the league from top to bottom -- spotlighting overlooked teams that deserve more recognition, analyzing true contenders with championship potential, and ultimately revealing my pick to win the Central Missouri Activities League. I will also present my All-Conference Top 10 selections and name my choice for the league's Player of the Year, offering a full picture of what fans can expect in the months ahead.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleeper - Capital City</h3>   Let me be clear, Capital City has every ingredient to become a legitimate contender this winter. Still, I'm labeling them as my sleeper pick because, for whatever reason, they aren't generating the level of preseason buzz they deserve. Despite the quiet chatter around them, Capital City brings a roster with real upside, headlined by the highly versatile [player_tooltip player_id='1598832' first='Grady' last='Payton'].   At 6'9", Payton is a matchup nightmare and one of the most unique players in the league. His skill set allows him to impact the game both on the perimeter and in the paint. Defensively, his length and mobility enable him to guard multiple positions, contest shots effectively, and provide reliable rim protection. Offensively, he's equally impressive -- Payton can score with his back to the basket, pull up in the mid-range, or knock down shots from beyond the arc with a smooth, confident stroke. His handle and long strides make him a rare slasher for his size, allowing him to weave through defenses and create plays in unconventional ways. He's also a dangerous lob threat in both half-court sets and transition, forcing defenses to constantly account for him around the rim.   Another key piece for the Cavaliers is guard Francis Samuel, who should emerge as the team's top backcourt weapon. Samuel brings scoring, playmaking, and on-ball creation -- qualities that will be essential for Capital City's offensive flow. He thrives when attacking off the dribble, using his quickness to break down primary defenders and get to his preferred spots, whether that's finishing at the rim or elevating in the mid-range. His ability to handle the ball and pressure defenses will complement Payton well and provide balance to the offense.   For Capital City to reach its full potential, supporting players will need to step into defined roles and embrace them as the season unfolds. If the Cavaliers can develop reliable depth and consistency around their two stars, expect them to surprise teams and firmly insert themselves into the top tier of the league race as the winter progresses.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders - Hickman, Battle, Helias</h3>   Hickman enters the 2025–2026 season as a rapidly rising program, carrying significant buzz and momentum. The Kewpies return a talented core led by [player_tooltip player_id='2225554' first='Will' last='Grus'], [player_tooltip player_id='2731393' first='Elijah' last='Tatum'], and Leo Stockman, all of whom will play major roles in driving the team's success.   Grus provides Hickman with a rare blend of size, strength, and skill at the forward position while operating primarily on the wing. His physicality makes him a difficult matchup inside the painted area and on the boards. Offensively, he's just as effective attacking downhill, using his handle and body control to carve out space and finish in contested areas. Grus uses his frame exceptionally well -- shifting, pivoting, and changing hands to score through contact. Expect to see him handle the ball and initiate offense even more this season, as his ability to collapse defenses and read the floor adds an additional layer to Hickman's attack.   Tatum is a true two-way athlete who plays with flair, explosiveness, and a consistently high motor. He elevates above the rim with confidence, attacking with aggression and purpose. In transition, he excels at running the wings and maintaining proper spacing, making himself a reliable outlet for fast-break opportunities. His energy on both ends sets the tone for the Kewpies.   Stockman brings another dimension as a long, versatile perimeter threat and one of the team's best long-range shooters. He's effective hitting shots off the bounce, relocating off movement, or sprinting off actions to get his feet set. Stockman also adds value as a secondary ball-handler and creator, allowing Hickman to keep the floor spaced and forcing defenses to stay honest on nearly every possession.   With Grus, Tatum, and Stockman leading the charge each night -- and with valuable contributions expected from role players and the bench—Hickman should be a formidable opponent throughout the season. The momentum is real, and the Kewpies are poised to make a significant impact.   The 2025–2026 season has the potential to be a breakout year for Battle, as they return two of the league's premier guards in [player_tooltip player_id='2334930' first='Brandon' last='Rooks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2536499' first='Cha'ion' last='Crump']. Rooks is already well-known across the state -- one of the rare guards capable of influencing games in ways few others can. His change of pace and shot-making ability are exceptional, constantly creating problems for defenses and putting tremendous pressure on on-ball defenders. Over the summer, he appears to have added muscle, which should help him absorb contact and finish more effectively in traffic.   Rooks' shooting range continues to expand, allowing him to consistently hit from well beyond the arc. His dribble is sharp, sudden, and unpredictable, enabling him to generate separation and get shots off in tight spaces. While his scoring is elite, Rooks is also a capable playmaker who reads defenses well and understands when to involve teammates to create balanced offensive flow.   Crump's athleticism is equally impressive. A standout multi-sport athlete, he consistently shines on the basketball court with his explosiveness and versatility. He can shoot it from range, especially in catch-and-shoot scenarios where he actively hunts opportunities along the perimeter. In transition, he becomes electrifying -- either pushing the ball himself or sprinting the floor to finish plays with force. Crump's elevation on finishes, whether off one foot or two, makes him a constant threat around the rim. His length and quickness also project well defensively, giving him the tools to guard in space and match up with smaller, quicker guards.   [player_tooltip player_id='2544046' first='Caden' last='Lewis'] is another key name to watch. An athletic wing, Lewis moves well without the ball, cutting sharply and often finishing plays with crowd-energizing dunks. He's a strong slasher who can score effectively around the basket, and his athleticism carries over to the defensive end, where he protects the rim with timely shot blocking and disruptiveness.   Together, Rooks, Crump, and Lewis form the core of what should be a highly competitive Battle squad. With their combination of scoring, athleticism, and versatility, Battle will be firmly in the mix for the league title -- and it would not be surprising at all if they end the season as conference champions.   Helias enters the 2025–2026 season with one of the most experienced and promising rosters in the league, led by who I believe is the top overall player: [player_tooltip player_id='2113567' first='Logan' last='Hillman']. Hillman will once again serve as the team's engine -- providing scoring, playmaking, high-level decision-making, and disruptive defense. He'll be asked to shoulder a significant load, and there's every reason to believe he's fully equipped for the challenge.   Hillman's offensive versatility is what makes him so dynamic. He's explosive in transition and equally efficient in structured half-court sets. His ability to knock down shots from deep forces defenses to extend, opening lanes for him to attack off the dribble. Hillman is equally comfortable operating with the ball in his hands or moving without it, using angles, timing, and craft to create scoring opportunities. Around the rim, he blends athleticism with creativity -- he can elevate for dunks in traffic or finish with finesse when navigating through defenders. What truly sets him apart, though, is his defense. His motor, instincts, and anticipation allow him to disrupt opposing offenses, create turnovers, and inject energy into the game.   Behind Hillman, [player_tooltip player_id='2536470' first='Alex' last='Wood'] returns as a vital interior anchor and complement to the team's perimeter strengths. Wood brings toughness and reliability near the basket. He's an effective screener who knows when to roll hard, when to slip, and how to find soft spots in the defense. Inside, he finishes well with either hand and rebounds at a high rate. Defensively, his strength and mobility allow him to guard traditional post players while also having the versatility to switch onto perimeter matchups when needed.   Helias should also benefit from several program players stepping into expanded roles as they look to replace last year's production. In addition, a promising group of younger talents is expected to push for rotation minutes as the season progresses. If the Crusaders can develop chemistry early and build dependable depth, they have the potential to grow steadily throughout the year and position themselves to play their best basketball when March arrives.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Champion - Rock Bridge</h3>   The race for the league's top spot is shaping up to be extremely competitive, especially over the course of a long, demanding regular season where every team is intimately familiar with one another's strengths and tendencies. Even with that parity, Rock Bridge stands out as my pick to finish on top. This group is loaded with talent and features a deep, versatile roster filled with high-level contributors at every position. From seasoned upperclassmen to emerging younger players, Rock Bridge truly has a complete blend of experience, skill, and upside.   The team will be anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='2346151' first='Will' last='Priest'], [player_tooltip player_id='2207940' first='Donovan' last='Parris'], [player_tooltip player_id='2431954' first='Aaron' last='Hecht'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2205736' first='Nick' last='Timbrook'], each bringing a unique element that elevates the program's ceiling.   Priest enters the season as arguably the best shooter in the league. He consistently knocks down shots both off the catch and on the move, and his combination of size and a high, quick release makes him nearly impossible to guard on the perimeter. Even with tight coverage, he creates clean looks and rarely appears rattled. Beyond his shooting, Priest has expanded his offensive game -- he now attacks off the dribble with confidence and can face up against bigger defenders who struggle to contain his speed and athleticism.   Parris remains one of the league's most underrated lead guards. His shiftiness and creative handle allow him to navigate pressure and break down defenses with ease. He'll orchestrate the offense, setting the tone by initiating sets, attacking gaps, and making reads based on how defenses rotate. He's a crafty finisher who adjusts midair and uses angles well, and he possesses the court awareness to deliver the right pass at the right moment. Add in his ability to stretch the floor as a perimeter shooter, and Parris becomes a multidimensional threat who understands exactly when to push the pace or slow the game down.   Hecht serves as the team's glue guy -- a steady interior presence who brings toughness, efficiency, and consistency. He contributes in multiple ways: scoring around the rim, controlling the glass, and defending with physicality. His willingness to do the dirty work will be critical in close, high-stakes matchups.   Timbrook is expected to take another leap this season as a dynamic perimeter option. With his stronger frame and size, he naturally creates mismatches, using his power to slash, carve out space, and impose his physicality on both ends. He's also a timely shooter who can stretch the floor, and he offers valuable versatility as a multi-position defender and rebounder.   Beyond the core group, Rock Bridge features several role players and bench contributors capable of providing energy, defensive intensity, and scoring bursts when needed. This depth makes them especially dangerous and difficult to prepare for -- there's simply no easy way to slow down a team with this many reliable options.   All things considered, I expect Rock Bridge to make a deep postseason run, ultimately finding themselves back in Columbia with a legitimate chance to finish the year on top.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 10 All-Conference Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2334930' first='Brandon' last='Rooks'] | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Battle   [player_tooltip player_id='2873530' first='Logan' last=''] Hillman | 6'3" Wing | Senior | Helias   [player_tooltip player_id='1598832' first='Grady' last='Payton'] | 6'9" Forward | Senior | Capital City   [player_tooltip player_id='2205736' first='Nick' last='Timbrook'] | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Rock Bridge   [player_tooltip player_id='2701119' first='Alan' last='Poage'] | 6'1" Guard | Junior | Camdenton   [player_tooltip player_id='2346151' first='Will' last='Priest'] | 6'7" Wing | Senior | Rock Bridge   [player_tooltip player_id='2536470' first='Alex' last='Wood'] | 6'5" Forward | Senior | Helias   [player_tooltip player_id='2225554' first='Will' last='Grus'] | 6'6" Wing | Junior | Hickman   [player_tooltip player_id='2207940' first='Donovan' last='Parris'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Rock Bridge   [player_tooltip player_id='2536499' first='Cha'ion' last='Crump'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Battle   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='2873530' first='Logan' last=''] Hillman | 6'3" Wing | Senior | Helias</h3>   The Player of the Year race is shaping up to be exceptionally competitive, with several standout talents making strong cases for the honor. Even so, my pick to ultimately take home the award is [player_tooltip player_id='2113567' first='Logan' last='Hillman'] from Helias. His overall value to his team surpasses that of nearly any other player in the league. Hillman will carry a substantial usage load this season and will be relied upon to contribute in a wide variety of ways. Coupled with his ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor, he has all the tools necessary to compile an impressive résumé night after night.   Hillman plays with relentless energy and makes his presence felt everywhere on the court. Defensively, he is rangy, quick, and highly intuitive—he understands offensive tendencies and anticipates actions before they fully develop. This awareness allows him to generate a high volume of steals, jump passing lanes, and create transition opportunities for his team. He is also a strong rebounder on both ends, using his blend of strength, timing, and athleticism to consistently outwork opponents and secure possessions.   Offensively, Hillman is equally dynamic. He stretches the floor with legitimate deep range and maintains the confidence to shoot from anywhere. He's comfortable pulling up off the dribble, relocating without the ball, and taking shots in rhythm. As a slasher, he puts constant pressure on defenses, getting to the rim with ease and finishing either above the rim or with touch and finesse when navigating through traffic.   Hillman will undoubtedly serve as the heartbeat and leader of the Helias program this season. With his versatility, motor, and senior-year urgency, he is poised for a standout campaign -- one that positions him firmly at the front of the Player of the Year conversation.

The Central Missouri Activities League has built a long-standing reputation as one of the most competitive and talent-rich conferences in the region. Year after year, it produces programs known for their discipline, athleticism, and commitment to excellence. This season promises to uphold -- and potentially elevate -- that standard. Across the league, rosters are filled with rising stars, seasoned veterans, and multi-sport standouts who have already begun to draw attention at both the state and regional levels. Nearly every program features at least one premier player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor, making the league as deep and dynamic as it has been in recent memory.