Players of the Game

By: Skylan Akins

Kinley Larsen | 5’8 Sophomore | Strafford

Larsen continues to look like one of the premier young guards in the state, putting together a dominant all-around scoring performance. The sophomore finished with 31 points while showing a polished offensive skill set well beyond her years. Her movement is fluid and efficient, allowing her to score at all three levels without forcing the action. Larsen was especially lethal in transition, where her speed and body control made her nearly impossible to contain. She consistently made the correct read, whether that meant attacking the rim or kicking out to an open teammate. Her vision and decision-making stand out for a player her age. Defenses are forced to pick their poison, as she can punish closeouts or pull up confidently from deep. With continued physical development, Larsen projects as a clear Division I prospect and potential Power 4 talent. At just a sophomore, she already looks like a future Gatorade Player of the Year contender.

Elsie Larsen | 5’10 Senior | Strafford

Larsen showcased the poise and control that make her such a valuable floor general. The Colorado State commit played multiple positions seamlessly, adapting to what the game demanded. She runs the floor extremely well for her size and consistently kept the offense flowing. A true pass-first point guard, Larsen prioritized creating opportunities for others rather than hunting shots. Her chemistry with her younger sister was evident, as she repeatedly delivered passes right into shooting pockets. While she finished with 13 points, her impact went far beyond the scoring column. She was near double figures in assists, constantly manipulating the defense with her eyes and pace. Larsen’s leadership and composure helped Strafford maintain control from start to finish. She was a steady hand in a convincing 78-49 win.

Jordan O’Quinn | 5’9 Senior | Hartville

O’Quinn delivered a gritty, high-IQ performance that reflected his importance to Hartville’s identity. The senior point guard handled the ball with confidence and kept his team organized against constant pressure. A vocal leader, he consistently directed traffic and made sure teammates were in the right spots. O’Quinn doesn’t force shots, but when he does pull the trigger, he’s an efficient and reliable shooter from deep. His energy on the defensive end stood out, as he applied pressure and fought through screens. He controlled tempo well, knowing when to slow the game down and when to push. While he finished with just nine points, his fingerprints were all over the contest. In Hartville’s 57-50 loss to Nixa, O’Quinn’s steadiness and leadership kept the game competitive throughout.

Gus Sinning | 6’3 Senior | Hartville

Sinning brought toughness and physicality to the paint in a demanding matchup against elite competition. The senior big went toe-to-toe with Adam McKnight and held his own for much of the night. He embraced the physical battle, using his strength to carve out space and contest shots. Sinning played the role of enforcer down low, setting hard screens and protecting the lane. While his offensive opportunities were limited, he showed the ability to occasionally stretch the floor with his shot. His defensive presence forced opponents to work for everything inside. Sinning ultimately fouled out late, a testament to how aggressively he competed. Though he finished with just two points, his impact went far beyond the box score. In Hartville’s 57-50 loss, Sinning set the tone with toughness and effort.

Randy Flint | 6’1 Senior | Nixa

Flint was a catalyst defensively and a stabilizing force offensively in Nixa’s championship win. The senior guard used his athleticism to create havoc in the backcourt, forcing turnovers and speeding up Hartville’s guards. His instincts and anticipation consistently put him in the right position defensively. Offensively, Flint thrives as a pass-first point guard who values ball movement. He ran the floor hard and delivered timely passes to open shooters and cutters. While he has a capable jumper, his greatest strength is knowing when to attack versus facilitate. Flint finished with 13 points, scoring efficiently within the flow of the offense. His ability to control pace and apply pressure made a significant difference. In Nixa’s 57-50 Gold Championship win, Flint played a winning brand of basketball.