By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Basketball season is underway in Missouri. Below are some of the area’s girls basketball players who could have breakout seasons this year.
Quinn Aldridge, Marshfield Sophomore
If you recognize the last name, you should. She is the younger sister of former Mizzou and Kansas standout Lauren Aldridge. The younger Aldridge is making her own name on the court. The floor general can facilitate and defend with the best of them. She has a bright future and Marshfield is good enough to compete for a state championship with her running the show.
Akaela Caquelin, Rolla Junior
Caquelin is another Phenom kid and it shows in her game. She’s super savvy, extremely skilled and ultra-competitive. She was an All-State selection last year, but she did it at Newburg where she wasn’t known locally. She’s a big-time talent and Rolla is good enough to win a state championship. The whole state will know who she is by March.
Annaliyah Ghan, Marionville Sophomore
She was extremely impactful as a freshman, averaging nine points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Comets. Having a year to get acclimated to varsity basketball and playing next to Lucy Newberry should make her sophomore season even better.
Riley & Regan Grosvenor, Waynesville Sophomores
The twins stepped into the lineup as freshmen and were productive, but more importantly got to learn by being thrust into the fire. Both essentially averaged five points and five rebounds. Playing next to Bre Hurd will help both players be in more advantageous situations.
Chloe Jones & Gracie Chandler, Greenfield Freshmen
The Wildcats lost all five starters from last year’s team, which had another great year under Coach Hickman. Now they’ll look to reload and have some talent returning throughout the class, but freshmen Jones and Chandler have the talent to crack the rotation and make an instant impact for Greenfield.
Carlie Martin, McDonald County Sophomore
Martin is another 5-foot-10 guard that can do a little bit of everything. As a freshman, she averaged 10 points, 5.6 rebounds, three assists and 2.3 steals. Her basketball IQ is off the charts, and she constantly makes high-level passes. As she gets more comfortable looking for her shot, she’ll be an even tougher cover.
McKinli Mays, El Dorado Springs Sophomore
Her freshman year was about her adjusting to varsity basketball and helping El Dorado win games. She was great in that role, averaging 4.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Due to graduation, she’ll take on a larger role this winter and with her athleticism, IQ and skillset, she’s more than ready for it.
Jordyn Misner, Sarcoxie Sophomore
Misner averaged seven points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals as a freshman, showing the ability to play on or off the ball. Her length and IQ have allowed her to adjust to varsity basketball quickly. look for her role to increase as a sophomore.
Abby Sargent, Webb City Freshman
It’s not often that freshmen appear on this list, but Sargent is built a little different. Her mom and aunt were two of the best players in program history at Webb City with mom (Chrissie) averaging 14.2 points, five assists, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 steals, while aunt (Nicole) put up 18.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, four assists and three steals. They led Webb City to 69 wins and a pair of district titles before going on to play collegiately at Missouri Southern. Abby is a 5-foot-8 point guard that sees the game at a high level and has the athletic ability to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.
Ari Warren, Glendale Freshman
Glendale has a loaded roster, but Warren could be the X-factor for just how good they could be. The freshman guard is dynamic with the ball in her hands and has the ability to create a shot for herself or someone else. The Falcons are good enough for a deep run if Warren can continue to bring it on both ends of the floor.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Raelyn Buckhannan, Wheaton Sophomore
Jaicee Carrasquillo, Verona Sophomore
Sophia Crites, Houston Junior
Kylie Fitzwater, Reeds Spring Sophomore
Kirra Long, Webb City Junior
Rachel Nunez & Ashlynn Helton, Miller Sophomores
Josie Salazar, Kickapoo Sophomore
Nayarah Shockley & Lillie Moore, Hillcrest Freshmen
Peyton Wiseman, Springfield Catholic Junior
