Class 5 MSHSAA Final Four — Standout Underclass Players
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The Class 5 MSHSAA Final Four featured West Plains, Whitfield, Union and William Chrisman, providing a good mix of teams from all around Missouri. In one semi-final game, West Plains got by Union 46-43 and then Whitfield held off a…
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Continue ReadingThe Class 5 MSHSAA Final Four featured West Plains, Whitfield, Union and William Chrisman, providing a good mix of teams from all around Missouri. In one semi-final game, West Plains got by Union 46-43 and then Whitfield held off a big second half comeback by William Chrisman to win the battle of St. Louis against Kansas City teams. Whitfield, the private school from St. Louis, would then defeat West Plains 50-34 in the championship game to win it all.
While these four teams did not have the quantity of underclassmen that the smaller Class 1, 2, and 3 final four teams did, there was plenty of quality players that made an impression on us. We take a look at some below, in no particular order.
Brooklyn Rhodes Brooklyn Rhodes 6'0" | PF Whitfield | 2023 State MO , Whitfield 2023 – Rhodes is a lanky 6’2 forward for the loaded Whitfield squad who made her mark scoring inside and cleaning the glass. On the season, she averaged 13 ppg and 10 rpg and shot 62% from the floor. She is also obviously disruptive on defense, not only blocking and intimidating opposing players, but also using her long arms to get steals and deflections. Look for Rhodes to move up the charts as one of the top players in Missouri these next couple of seasons.
Ashton Judd Ashton Judd 5'11" | SF West Plains | 2022 State MO , West Plains 2022 – Judd’s stock has risen rapidly since the start of last summer, and she was one of the biggest difference makers at any level in the state this season for West Plains. Simply put, at 5’11, she does it all, with the most significant addition to her game this season being her ball handling and passing skills. Her responsibilities in that area increased as the high school season went along and she can play any position on the court adeptly. Against Willard in the state sections, Judd scored only 6 points, but had the most dominant 6 point game you will ever see, grabbing 19 rebounds, getting several steals and deflections and making nice passes. In the semi-final game against Union, Judd scored 17 points and added 11 rebounds and several assists. She was unquestionably the most dominant player in the game. Against Whitfield, Judd tallied 14 points as her team came up short. But she made quite the impression on everyone who watched her play this past weekend, and still has one more year to solidify her status as one of the top players in Missouri.
JaNyla Bush JaNyla Bush 5'4" | PG Link Academy | 2024 State MO , Whitfield 2024 – Bush is just a 5’5 freshman, but the starting point guard for Whitfield was the most fun player to watch this weekend. Featuring supreme quickness and confidence to go with a motor that never quits, Bush displayed fantastic all around skills. She scored 14 points in the win over William Chrisman in the semi-finals, displaying her great ball handling and ability to get to the rim and also knocking down the 3 ball. The two most impressive aspects of her game is her on the ball defense and her passing ability. She plays with some sauce in her game and hit one of her teammates with a behind the back pass for a score in transition. Against West Plains, Bush scored 9 just in the first half, including a step back 3 over the 6″ taller Judd. She is just scratching the surface of how good she can be and will be one to watch these next three seasons.
Alyssa Joyner, West Plains 2024 – Joyner is the latest addition to the West Plains stable. A 6’ freshman, she is smooth around the basket and moves very well without the ball to receive passes from teammates for open baskets. Her and Judd work well together as a tandem and that will carry over into next season when Joyner is expected to be a solid second fiddle to Judd. She shot 59% from the field this season, a testament to good shot selection and the ability to get into position to score.
Mele Taula, William Chrisman 2023 – Taula was quite the “6th man” for the Bears this season on a team that started 5 seniors. The 5’9 sophomore made her mark as a tough competitor around the basket, averaging nearly 10 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. She comes in and makes her mark quickly with her ability to score around the rim and draw contact. She can also play the face up game and can sink a three or drive. Taula should take a major step forward next season as the Bears lose the standout seniors and rebuild around her.