JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association released the 2006-2007 all-state basketball teams today.
Many local players were chosen for their outstanding play this past season. In Class 4, Sikeston had two players make the all-state team for a second consecutive time. Sophomore Michael Porter made the first team, while senior Julian Beard made the second team.
The last time a Sikeston athlete made two consecutive all-state teams was Lontas McClinton for the 2002-2003 seasons. Before McClinton, Bryan Ellitt accomplished the feat for the 1999-2000 seasons.
Porter was unstoppable in the post for Sikeston averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds per game. Beard hobbled through a foot injury through much of the year, but still posted 15 points and four assists per game.
"Michael and Julian both had outstanding years," said Sikeston head coach Gregg Holifield. "They both have great work ethics and total team players. I give Julian a lot of credit, he played with an injured foot throughout much of the season and he never complained. He didn't miss any games or practices and worked hard every second he was on the floor."
Porter still has two seasons left for the Bulldogs and the bitter defeat in the district final to Notre Dame still haunts the super sophomore.
"Michael just keeps improving every day," said Holifield. "Michael is a terrific person and he will only get better. He is definitely motivated for next year. Michael is already working to try and improve his game. It was a difficult loss for everybody involved, especially for Michael. His work ethic just rubs off on his teammates."
Justin Clark and Shawn Sherrell made the Class 3 first team after leading Charleston to a state title. Jamarcus Williams earned second team honors for the Bluejays.
Clark, a 6-foot-4 forward, led the Bluejays in scoring at 18 points per game and came up huge for Charleston in the playoffs. Sherrell scored 27 points in the Class 3 championship game and was the floor leader for Charleston averaging close to 14 points, six assists and four steals per game.
"Justin carried us this year," said Charleston head coach Danny Farmer. "If I had to pick our M.V.P., I would pick Justin. Jamarcus and Shawn battled injuries throughout the year. We were 29-3 because of Justin. He had big games for us late and became a complete player this year.
"Shawn would just takeover in big games for us. He would hit big shots and just open up the floor with his penetration. Jamarcus proved his heart by playing through his injuries. He biggest game was against Malden and after he sprained his ankle against Bayless, he stepped up in the finals. I mean the kid couldn't even jump and he just used his experience to get rebounds and score."
Farmer was named the coach of the year in Class 3.
"I am just pleased we were able to win the title," said Farmer. "We pulled through some injuries and had a great season."
In Class 1, Bell City's 6-10 center Will Bogan made the first team along with Scott Central's junior Caleb Johnson. For the Braves, Johnson averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Bell City and Scott Central also had two players make the Class 1 second team. Junior Nick Niemczyk of the Cubs and sophomore Drew Thomas, who averaged 21 points and eight rebounds per game.
On the girls side, Kelly's Brittany Ponder made the second team in Class 3. Ponder averaged 10 points, five assists and three steals per game for the Lady Hawks.
"This is such an amazing honor," said Kelly head coach Rod McQuerter, "not only for Brittany, but for the entire team. Brittany put in four years and worked hard every single day she was on the floor in practice or in games."
For Class 1, point guards Brittney Peet of Scott Central and Kaci Menz of Delta, both made the first team.
Peet averaged close to 18 points, four assists and three steals per game. Menz averaged 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals a game for the Lady Bobcats.
For a complete list of the all-state teams, turn to page 12.