Day 3 Top Performers

By: Skylan Akins

Jax Baxter | 6’6” Senior | Stockton

Baxter put together one of the most memorable individual performances of the tournament, showcasing why long, versatile wings remain at a premium. The 6’6” senior poured in a school-record 42 points on Saturday and followed it up with another explosive outing, finishing with 39 in a heartbreaking overtime loss. His growth as a perimeter shooter was impossible to ignore, as he knocked down big shot after big shot against a locked-in defense. Baxter was at his best when the game mattered most, scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter and overtime alone. He showed confidence shooting off the catch and off the dribble, stretching the floor well beyond the arc. His length allows him to rise over defenders, making his jumper difficult to contest. Baxter also ran the floor hard in transition and punished late closeouts. Despite Stockton’s 74-73 overtime loss, his scoring versatility and late-game toughness stood out as a defining performance of the event.

Kolby James | 5’9” Senior | Willow Springs

James delivered one of the coldest late-game performances of the tournament, cementing his reputation as a fearless, high-motor scorer. The bulldog-type point guard plays with nonstop intensity and thrives in pressure moments. He finished with 34 points, scoring efficiently from all three levels despite being undersized. James’ handle allowed him to create space whenever he wanted, and his confidence never wavered. With six seconds left in regulation, he buried the go-ahead three, then followed it with the game-winning triple in overtime. His shooting range forces defenders to pick him up early, opening driving lanes and kick-out opportunities. James plays bigger than his size thanks to toughness, balance, and body control. In Willow Springs’ dramatic 74-73 overtime win, he proved himself as one of the most dangerous closers in the entire tournament field.

Eason Nash | 5’10” Junior | Parkview

Nash was the engine behind Parkview’s gritty win, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. A high-energy guard, he set the tone defensively with relentless on-ball pressure that disrupted opposing guards all night. Offensively, Nash mixed timely perimeter shots with aggressive downhill attacks. He consistently got into the lane, finishing through contact or drawing help defenders. His effort level never dipped, and his activity sparked momentum-changing runs for the Vikings. Nash finished with 28 points in a lower-scoring, physical contest. He showed a strong understanding of tempo and when to push versus settle. In Parkview’s 49-43 win, Nash’s toughness and two-way impact made him the clear difference-maker.

Colton Ingold | 6’2” Junior | Bolivar

Ingold’s development was on full display as he put together one of his most complete performances of the season. The junior guard showed improved physical tools after a noticeable growth spurt, allowing him to play above defenders more comfortably. He was explosive off the ball, cutting hard and finishing plays created by Bolivar’s spacing. Ingold’s shooting touch stood out, particularly when he stepped into rhythm jumpers. He also showed strong court awareness, finding teammates on the break and making the extra pass. His ability to score without dominating the ball fit seamlessly within the offense. Ingold finished with 28 points in Bolivar’s convincing 62-46 win. His blend of scoring efficiency, athletic growth, and unselfish play makes him a name to track moving forward.

Kylan Pickren | 6’5” Junior | Ozark

Pickren wasted no time asserting himself, scoring 12 of Ozark’s first 18 points and setting the tone early. The 6’5” junior is a true three-level scorer who can punish defenses from anywhere on the floor. He runs the floor extremely well for his size and consistently finished plays in transition. Pickren used his length to score at the rim, extending around defenders with ease. His ball-handling ability stood out, especially when pushing tempo and creating mismatches. He showed comfort operating both on and off the ball, making him difficult to scheme against. Pickren finished with 28 points in Ozark’s 72-44 win. His combination of size, skill, and pace makes him a matchup problem at the high school level.

Adam McKnight | 6’4” Junior | Nixa

McKnight was the most dominant athlete on the floor, overwhelming defenders with his physicality and explosiveness. He scored eight of Nixa’s first 10 points, immediately forcing defensive adjustments. McKnight thrives inside the arc, where his strength and body control demand double or even triple teams. Once he gets downhill, there are very few answers for him. His scoring presence opened the floor for teammates, even when he wasn’t touching the ball. The multi-sport standout also flashes elite competitiveness that carries over from football and baseball. McKnight finished with 30 points in a 72-54 win for the top-seeded Eagles. His athletic ceiling and versatility continue to separate him from most peers in the state.

Gus Sinning | 6’3” Senior | Hartville

Sinning delivered a textbook “glue guy” performance that anchored Hartville on both ends of the floor. The senior forward uses his strong frame well, carving out space and finishing with a soft touch around the rim. He runs the floor exceptionally well for his size, consistently beating defenders down the court. Sinning complemented Hartville’s perimeter shooters and slashers by doing the dirty work inside. His toughness on the glass led to a double-double, and he battled on every possession. Defensively, he held his ground and made life difficult in the paint. Sinning finished with 24 points in Hartville’s 65-38 win. His physical presence and unselfish approach made the Eagles hum.

Chase Branham | 6’4” Junior | Logan-Rogersville

Branham looked every bit like a high-major prospect, delivering a polished and explosive performance. The Indiana commit scored with ease at all three levels, attacking defenders with confidence. He showed a noticeable emphasis on getting downhill, finishing fiercely at the rim. Branham’s movement is fluid and controlled, allowing him to change speeds effortlessly. He consistently drew fouls and lived at the free-throw line thanks to his aggressive approach. His length and athleticism made him nearly impossible to stay in front of. Branham finished with 33 points in an 80-46 blowout win. Performances like this reinforce why he’s viewed as one of the top prospects in the region.

Titus Moore | 6’5” Sophomore | Logan-Rogersville

Moore continues to separate himself as one of the top underclassmen in the state with his physical tools and instincts. The sophomore forward plays with a big body but moves fluidly in both the half court and transition. He was dominant on the glass, securing rebounds and quickly turning them into offense. Moore anticipates passing lanes exceptionally well for a big, creating extra possessions. His ability to run the floor led to easy baskets before the defense could set. He finished efficiently around the rim while also showing touch in traffic. Moore ended the night with 20 points in Logan-Rogersville’s 80-46 win. His combination of strength, mobility, and IQ gives him a very high long-term ceiling.