By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It hasn’t taken Brock Blansit long to put his touch on Nixa Basketball.
Entering his third season at the helm, Blansit has put together a 49-8 record while also making the Eagles even more potent offensively.
This will be his biggest “rebuild” in his time as head coach, but it’s not a typical rebuild.
Sophomore Adam McKnight returns after a First-Team All-COC freshman campaign where he averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-foot-5 three-sport standout is one of the best athletes in Missouri.
“Adam plays as physical and hard as any kid I’ve ever coached,” said Blansit. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a practice or a game he always goes 100%. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to break our scoring and rebounding record by a wide margin. He will be one of our leaders even though he’s only a sophomore.”
Nixa doesn’t return any other full-time starters, but the Eagles will again be immensely talented.
Five seniors are back in the mix after seeing time as juniors.
Keivon Flint had a huge summer for Missouri Flight and will see time in the backcourt. Bryce Foster is another guard that can run the show and playmaker.
Jaise Combs and Lane Meltabarger are a pair of 6-foot-3 guards that add size and athleticism. Wyatt Vincent rounds out the returning seniors and is the most intriguing of all. He’s a D1 baseball commit (Missouri State) that is also a D1 football prospect that happens to be extremely productive on the hardwood as well.
Randy Flint saw a ton of time as a sophomore and will see a role increase this winter. He’s the younger brother of Keivon.
“Keivon and Randy have become more of complete players; not only are they fantastic athletes, they are learning how to be more of a playmaker as well as a scorer. The sky’s the limit for both of them,” said Blansit.
“Jaise Combs is a name that the area is going to hear a lot about. He is a phenomenal shooter, but he can also get to the basket to score. He’s going to have a big season. Bryson Foster will handle the point guard duties for us this year as well. He’s also a good shooter. Lane Meltabarger will play in the post as well as shoot the 3 ball. Wyatt Vincent is one of the fastest kids in the area and will contribute at both ends of the floor.”
Senior Matthew Miesner and junior Ty Kellis will also see minutes this winter. Kellis led Nixa’s JV in scoring last season. Both players will add instant offense.
Nixa will miss the presence of 6-foot-8 post Jackson Cantwell. One of the nation’s best football players and throwers has decided to focus on track this winter.
Multi-sport athletes is a theme with this group, something Blansit and the Eagles must navigate as Nixa will challenge for a state championship in football.
But he sees this as a welcomed challenge as it gives Nixa something many other programs don’t have.
“There’s no doubt that it’s tough to have seven of your top nine basketball kids play football, but I also wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Blansit. “Kids are only in high school for four years and they need to play as many sports as possible.
“This is one reason why our athletics are doing so well; we have several multi-sport athletes. We will adjust the best we can. Our first game isn’t till Dec. 12th because I knew there was a chance our football team could play till Dec. 7th, state title game.”
The program has won eight district championships over the last 15 seasons with a pair of Final Fours.
If this group is to add to Nixa’s sparkling tradition on the hardwood, Blansit believes it’ll take a “we over me” approach.
“If this team will buy into the “team” aspect and put their individual goals to the side, this team has a chance to be special,” said Blansit. “I’m really excited about the season ahead.”
Nixa will jamboree on Nov. 21st at Sparta before opening the 2024-25 season on Dec. 12 at the Rogers Tournament.
