What’s Happening in St. Joe, MO
There is some excellent basketball being played in St. Joseph, Missouri with four of the five schools having strong seasons. Benton is 12-8 after coming off back to back Class 4 state championship game berths in 2022 and 2023. Bishop…
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Continue ReadingThere is some excellent basketball being played in St. Joseph, Missouri with four of the five schools having strong seasons. Benton is 12-8 after coming off back to back Class 4 state championship game berths in 2022 and 2023. Bishop LeBlond is currently 16-4 and ranked No. 9 in Class 3. Lafayette is rolling along at 15-5 and St. Joe Christian is also 15-5 and ranked No. 9 in Class 1.
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of the top players who are doing good things in the city.
2024
Kayleigh Ziesel (LeBlond): A 5’6″ guard who was one of the returning veterans from last year’s Class 2 Final 4 team. She is a steady and productive player at both ends of the court. She is a capable 3-point shooter who also operates well in the high post as a scorer and passer. She can really set up her teammates with some nice dimes.
Chloe Burnham (Christian): The 5’9″ guard has been one of the top scorers in the Northwest region throughout her career. The Seward County C.C. recruit is capable of lighting it up from all three levels. She has enjoyed several games where she’s score in excess of 30 points. The young lady is a bucket.
Talicia Byrd (Lafayette): The 5’7″ guard was on fire in the Lady Irish’ victory over Benton on Tuesday night. She knocked down five 3-pointers en route to scoring a game-high 17 points. She worked herself open and was draining those high-arching 3-pointers from everywhere. She also has good speed and quickness which helps her excel on the defensive end.
Kyla Conard (LeBlond): A 5’8″ shooting guard who plays with a strong motor. She is always looking to attack the basket and get into the lane. She doesn’t mind seeking contact on her way to the basket. She can also hit the open 3-pointer.
Honor Mannings (Lafayette): A 5’7″ point guard who can really shake things up at both ends of the court with her speed and quickness. She is an excellent on-ball defensive player who can also be disruptive in the passing lanes. She is a good slashing player who excels in the open court.
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2025
Andrea Simmons Andrea Simmons 5'11" | SF Benton | 2025 State MO (Benton): A 5’11” 2025 forward who causes matchup problems with her height and overall skill set. She is an excellent player on the perimeter with her ball handling skills and ability to facilitate. She can also step and hit 3-pointers to stretch the floor. She is a strong inside player who can get buckets in the low post.
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2026
Eliana Arabula (Benton): A 5’6″ point guard who is an impressive playmaker with the ability to score. She stepped in as a freshman point guard and helped the Cardinals to a berth in the state championship game. She is a slick ball handler who can also distribute the basketball. She is also a knock down shooter from 3-point range. She made six triples against Cameron two weeks ago.
Rilyn Conard (LeBlond): A 5’9″ wing player who is one of the future standouts for the Eagles. She is a solid offensive player who can knock down open 3-pointers and drive the ball when she has an open lane. She is also very active on the back line of her team’s defensive unit with her ability to get steals and blocks.
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2027
Laniya Carriger (Lafayette): A 6’3″ forward who has already established herself as one of the top shot blockers in the state, regardless of class. In addition to her height and length, she has exceptional timing which enables her to get blocks from anywhere on the court without fouling. She also does a good job of catching the ball and keeping it high to finish around the basket. She also has good mobility. Her upside is very substantial.