By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Basketball season is underway in Missouri. Below are some breakout boys basketball players to watch.
NOTE: NAMES ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. THERE WILL ALSO BE A SEPARATE BREAKOUT PLAYERS LIST.
Kellen Braden, Nevada
The loss of Jack Cheaney opens the door for someone to take over at Nevada and Braden is the likely answer. The junior guard averaged seven points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists last year. He can create for himself or others, which will also help senior Gabe Smith have a huge year.
Gunner Freeman, Weaubleau
It’s fitting that his name is Gunner, because he has a burner attached to his left arm. A big guard, Freeman can shoot it with anyone and with the losses that Weaubleau had after last year’s Final Four run, in addition to Blake Allen being as good as anyone at developing talent, expect Freeman to have a breakout season.
Keiran Govan, Republic
Republic was able to reload instead of rebuild in football and Govan is a large reason why; KG has a big-time future in both football and basketball. The 6-foot-1 combo guard has a diverse skillset with a frame and athleticism that allows him to change a game on either end. Breakout season loading for Govan.
Mar’Kel Houston, Glendale
At 6-foot-5, Houston is a little undersized as a big. But what he’s missing in height he makes up for in effort and toughness. The sophomore’s motor never stops running, which led to him averaging 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds as a freshman. Not many bigs can run with him and keep him off the glass and it’s that hustle that’ll make him a nightmare in the COC.
Jonathan Huskisson Jr., Willard
As the name implies, he’s the son of former Willard all-time great Jonathan Huskisson and also as the name implies, there is no shortage of athleticism in junior. His sophomore year was good, showing the ability to be a two-way difference maker. Now with more experience and confidence, JH2 is poised for a breakout season.
Brady James, Willow Springs
As a freshman, he proved there wasn’t a moment too big for him. The 6-foot guard shoots the fire out of it and is ultra-competitive. Some of the things he wanted to do as a freshman but didn’t have the size/athleticism to do are now well within his bag. Expect a big sophomore year for James.
Aiden Meade & Parker Owen, Skyline
Skyline may have been young last year, but they have two absolute studs in Meade and Owen. Meade averaged 18.2 points, knocking down 87 triples at a 40 percent clip. Owen added 15.2 points and has the ability to score at every level. They’ve taken their lumps over the last season or two, look for them to dish out the punishment this year.
Alan Poage, Camdenton
He came on strong as a freshman, showing the ability to make shots at a high rate. He has a quick release and limitless range on his jumper. As a sophomore with a more varsity-ready frame, expect Poage to show more of his playmaking skills and ability to create off the bounce.
Landon Ray, Carthage
One thing we know about hoopers with the last name Ray is that they can shoot it, and they have an excellent feel for the game. As a sophomore, Landon averaged 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds. With older brother Justin graduating, it’ll open up plenty of shots and that’ll be a good thing for the 6-foot-4 guard this season.
Trae Turner, Webb City
The Cardinals have to replace COC Player of the Year Barron Duda and while Turner is a different type of player, he can help fill that void. The 6-foot-3 junior is a long, bouncy guard that can create off the bounce and defend 1-4. He has a chance to have a breakout season as the Cardinals search for another scorer alongside Pace and Keith.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Carson Adams, Marshfield
Brody Bateman, Wheaton
Brody Blades, Republic
Jaise Combs, Nixa
Sean Contreras, Lockwood
Aden Estep, Mountain Grove
Trenton Ingle, Sparta
Cody Jones, Galena
Hudson Matthiesen, Joplin
Braden Sawyer, Wheatland
Chance Shaffer, Billings
Fred Taylor, Joplin
Sam Voris, Walnut Grove
