5 things to watch as boys basketball season tips off (2024)

The 2024-25 boys basketball season tips off Thursday in Missouri and Monday in Illinois with no shortage of storylines. Here are five things to watch this season:

It's McKinney time at Vashon

Jimmy McKinney, a former assistant coach and standout on the court, has taken over as Vashon's head boys basketball coach after former coach Tony Irons stepped down in May to become head coach at Mineral Area College.

McKinney starred as a player under Tony Irons' father, Floyd Irons, before playing four years at the University of Missouri. McKinney coached at Kirkwood from 2021-22 before coming to Vashon as an assistant.

The Wolverines are coming off their fifth successive state championship and 15th in program history. The 15 state championships ranks behind Scott County Central (18) for the most state championships in Missouri history. Tony Irons (8) and Floyd Irons (7) rank third- and fourth-most in Missouri history on the state championship coaches list.

The shot clock cometh

The shot clock is coming to a gym near you. During the off season, the Illinois High School Association approved the use of a 35-second shot clock for boys and girls basketball starting in the 2026-27 season.

"The IHSA has allowed the shot clock to be used in tournaments and shootouts the past two seasons, and the overwhelming feedback we have received from coaches is that it is time to embrace the shot clock in all varsity contests," IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said in a news release. "We believe the two-season lead time will provide our schools with ample opportunity to install the shot clocks and get comfortable with them from both a coaching and game administration perspective."

The shot clock has been used in specific events throughout the last two seasons and will continue to be used until it becomes a requirement in the 2026-27 season in Illinois.

Similarly, the Missouri State High School Activities Association approved a 35-second shot clock for both boys and girls basketball in regular-season tournaments and shootout-style events starting this season. The stipulation for the shootout-style event is a minimum of eight teams with four total games being played on one day. Approval must be sent to MSHSAA 30 days priory to the event.

Defending champs aim at another title chase

Along with Vashon, multiple area schools will be defending their state championships.

Cardinal Ritter secured the 11th state championship in program history after getting bumped to the highest classification in Missouri, Class 6. Under coach Ryan Johnson, the Lions secured the Class 3 title in 2020 and Class 5 crowns in 2021 and 2023.

De Smet used a scorching shooting touch from behind the arc to claim the Class 5 state championship, its first since winning it all in 1999. The Spartans shot 20 for 39 on 3-point attempts in the state semifinal and championship games, cruising past Winnetoka and Jefferson City for the title.

Reload time in the Metro East

Last season was the first time since 2001-02 that no Metro East team advanced to the super-sectional round of the Illinois playoffs.

Alton Marquette and Breese Central were ousted in the Class 2A sectional title games last year by a combined three points. Gibault saw its title defense come to an end in a Class 1A sectional title game.

Breese Central will return Kaden Rakers (7.3 ppg) and Griffen Becker (5.2 ppg). Alton Marquette returns Brody Bechtold (7.3 ppg) to headline its 2024-25 edition, while Gibault returns Ryan Biffar (6.4 ppg).

Sleepers ready to awaken

John Burroughs fell short of a state championship when it lost to Vashon in the Class 4 state championship game. Chaminade also fell one victory short of a state championship. Maplewood Richmond-Heights, Columbia, East St. Louis, St. Mary's and Webster Groves all had seasons end earlier than expected.

Each team has all the pieces to make deep runs this year.

John Burroughs is led by twin behemoths Tristan Reed (16.5 ppg and 9.4 rpg) and Sheek Pearson (13.2 ppg and 6.7 rpg). Chaminade's Jamison White (9.4 ppg and 6.7 rpg) and Jahadi White (8.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg) return alongside Ben Winker (4.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg).

The Blue Devils secured 20 wins in a season for the first time since 2012 and will bring back elite scorer junior Abraham Nayou (18.7 ppg).

Columbia and St. Mary's bring back All-Metro selections in Sam Donald and Zyree Collins. Donald helped the Eagles to 24 wins while averaging 20.5 points a game and 8.4 rebounds. Collins helped the Dragons to 25 wins while averaging an area-best 31.5 points a game.

Montreal Stacker (11 ppg) and Arlandis Brown (9.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg) return to give the Flyers another crack at the semifinal round.

Freshman phenom Scottie Adkinson returns to lead the Statesmen after averaging 15.7 points a game while dishing out 3.1 assists a game.