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11 players to watch in Columbia and Boone County basketball districts

chris kwiecinski, columbia daily tribune
·4 min read

Districts are underway in Boone County and while some teams have seen the end of their seasons, others will start their postseasons Wednesday.

Tuesday night, Hallsville girls basketball advanced with a win over Mexico, and Centralia will host round one winner Kirksville. Meanwhile, the Class 6 District 8 tournaments begin as Battle and Hickman play host this week.

Here are 12 players to watch this week as districts continue for Classes 4 and 6, including the majority of Boone County schools.

Girls basketball

1. Ella Rogers, forward, Hickman

Ashtyn Klusmeyer, Sy'Rae Stemmons and Jayda Griffith are all future pieces for a talented Kewpies team, but Rogers' senior season has come down to districts. Hickman has lost three of its last five, but Rogers can help lift the team out of that with her ability to shoot and dominate in the post.

Battle guard Tayla Robinson (3) looks to pass during a game between the Spartans and Hickman on Feb. 17, 2023, at Battle High School.
Battle guard Tayla Robinson (3) looks to pass during a game between the Spartans and Hickman on Feb. 17, 2023, at Battle High School.

2. Tayla Robinson, guard, Battle

Kaelyn Johnson is the team's best player with her shooting ability and size to gather rebounds, but Robinson possesses a sound basketball IQ and the ability to lead the Spartans' offense. Her ability as the team's point guard helps put her teammates in a position to be successful, which is what led Battle to another program record in wins this season. That IQ will be needed in a tough district.

3. Emily DeHaas, forward, Southern Boone

Chloe Bukowsky is one of the best 3-point shooters in the county, but DeHaas's skills are crucial for a deep districts run and game in the state tournament. DeHaas leads the Eagles with 14.8 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game. Controlling the glass will be critical in having an upper hand, especially as Southern Boone's district doesn't include Helias like last season.

4. Braylin Brunkhorst, guard, Centralia

Centralia has its heart and soul with seniors Jozelynn Bostick, Harper Sontheimer and Annie Robinson. But, the Panthers have a future star in Brunkhorst. The freshman phenom is a big reason why Centralia has powered its way to a 23-3 record and a top seed in districts. As Brunkhorst keeps shining, it bodes well for the Panthers. That should continue in districts and beyond.

Lindsey Cunningham (left) and Sophie Cunningham (right) pose with Mari Miller (center) after Miller won the Rock Bridge most valuable player award after a game against Blue Valley North on December 2, 2022, at the Columbia College’s Southwell Complex in Columbia, Mo.
Lindsey Cunningham (left) and Sophie Cunningham (right) pose with Mari Miller (center) after Miller won the Rock Bridge most valuable player award after a game against Blue Valley North on December 2, 2022, at the Columbia College’s Southwell Complex in Columbia, Mo.

5. Mari Miller, guard, Rock Bridge

Miller has been one of the best players in Boone County, and districts is where she can shine the brightest. Miller has already earned Power 5 scholarship offers, and is a player who can fill an entire stat sheet amidst a young Bruins team. Rock Bridge fell just short of a district title last year, but Miller can emerge even further with run deep postseason run.

6. Kristen Jones, guard, Hallsville

One of the most athletic players in the county, Jones, a Central Missouri track and field commit, is aiming to lead Hallsville to a second-straight district title. She scored 16 points in a district win over Mexico Tuesday, and will be the focal point for Hallsville as it looks for an upset over Moberly.

Boys basketball

1. James Townsend, guard, Hickman

Hickman has its roles figured out: Isaiah Bonaparte is a leader, Brock Camp is the dynamic post player and Jordan Richardson is a senior presence. Townsend has emerged as the team's sharpshooter, which is an important role Hickman needs to capitalize on runs and sway momentum.

Battle's Tate McCubbin flips a layup in for a basket during the Spartans' 52-49 win over Rock Bridge on Feb. 9, 2023, at Battle High School.
Battle's Tate McCubbin flips a layup in for a basket during the Spartans' 52-49 win over Rock Bridge on Feb. 9, 2023, at Battle High School.

2. Tate McCubbin, wing, Battle

One of the most versatile players in the county has to be McCubbin, who can play in the post and around the perimeter. His rebounding ability shines when Battle needs to control the rebounding battle, but his ability to shoot and play at the rim gives the Spartans the ability to play him in different lineups against different styles of teams. His versatility helped Battle to its 11-game winning streak.

3. Evens Appolon, center, Father Tolton

There's no better big in the county than Appolon, who thrives as a rebounder, is a danger in the pick-and-roll game and causes problems for any team that tries to establish a post presence. Appolon has struggled to stay out of foul trouble at times, however. Staying in games late will help Tolton win the rebounding battle late,

Rock Bridge's Kanyon Hummel (54) moves his way past Hickman's Isaiah Bonaparte (3) during the Bruins' 60-42 win over the Kewpies on Feb. 14, 2023, at Hickman High School.
Rock Bridge's Kanyon Hummel (54) moves his way past Hickman's Isaiah Bonaparte (3) during the Bruins' 60-42 win over the Kewpies on Feb. 14, 2023, at Hickman High School.

4. Kanyon Hummel, forward, Rock Bridge

Hummel is a key part of the experienced Rock Bridge lineup that boasts seven seniors. He's excelled at doing dirty work in the low post and defending at a high level while teammates like Brady Bowers can score the points from the perimeter. Hummel's height gives Rock Bridge an edge over teams with smaller lineups and his experience allows him to match up well with other bigs he'll see in the district tournament.

5. Kolton Garner, guard, Hallsville

One of the most explosive offensive players in the county has an upset on his mind. Garner already made a postseason mark with a 25-point, eight-rebound and four-steal stat line against Centralia, and now is aiming to do the same against 22-win Macon. Garner has the ability to score any number - he scored a career-high 42 points in a 91-82 win over Versailles in February - and Hallsville can follow his lead.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: 11 players to watch in Columbia and Boone County basketball districts