The 2022-23 recruiting class for the Missouri Western Men’s Basketball team has been finalized, with four new players signing on to play for Head Coach Will Martin. Here is an overview of the four incoming players:
- Ashton Smith:
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 170 lbs
- High School: Sagemont Preparatory School
- Hometown: Weston, Florida
- Accomplishments: Smith led his team to the Class 2A state championship and achieved a record of 54-10 over the past two seasons. He earned second-team all-state honors and was recognized as one of the top playmakers in Florida, averaging 12.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. Smith was also selected to the all-tournament team at the King of the Bluegrass Holiday Classic.
- Camden Bennett:
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 200 lbs
- High School: Lafayette HS
- Hometown: St. Joseph, Missouri
- Accomplishments: Bennett, the younger brother of Caleb Bennett, had a successful career at Lafayette High School. He received multiple awards, including two St. Joseph News-Press NOW Boys Basketball Player of the Year titles and three All-MEC selections. Bennett averaged 20 points and six rebounds per game during his senior year, leaving a significant impact on St. Joseph basketball.
- Kiani Saxon:
- Position: Forward
- Height: 6-8
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Previous School: Louisiana State University of Eunice (LSUE)
- High School: Liston College HS
- Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
- Accomplishments: Saxon, a junior college transfer, played for LSUE in the previous season and was named an All-LCCAC Honorable Mention. He showcased his rebounding skills, leading his team with an average of 5.3 rebounds per game. Saxon also had an impressive 18-rebound performance in a game against Southern University Shreveport Louisiana. Additionally, he won a New Zealand U19 national championship with North Harbour in 2019.
- Ky Green:
- Position: Forward
- Height: 6-6
- Weight: 185 lbs
- High School: Liberty HS
- Hometown: Peoria, Arizona
- Accomplishments: Green had a notable career at Liberty High School, setting the all-time blocks record with 91 blocks in just two years. He earned two all-region first-team selections and was named to the all-state second team in his senior year. Green contributed across the board, averaging 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks per game.
Head Coach Will Martin expressed excitement about the incoming recruits, praising their individual skills and the positive impact they can bring to the team. The class includes a proven winner, a local talent with leadership qualities, an accomplished junior college transfer, and a skilled defender with shot-blocking ability.