Monroe City’s Talton receives Class 3 Co-Player of the Year honor from Missouri Basketball Coaches Association

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Brock Edris wondered aloud if Joshua Talton is the first player in the history of the Monroe City boys basketball program to be named the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association’s Class 3 Player of the Year.

“It’s a pretty special honor,” the Monroe City coach said.

It’s a rare one indeed.

Talton, the 6-foot senior guard, was named the state’s Co-Player of the Year in Class 3 along with Thayer senior Jordan Andrews, putting a cap on one of the most celebrated careers in Panthers’ history. Also named a first-team all-stater for the second straight season, Talton led Monroe City to a 22-5 record and a berth in the state sectionals.

In four seasons on the varsity, Talton helped the Panthers go 101-16 with a second-place state finish in 2021 and a state semifinal appearance in 2020.

As a senior, Talton averaged 19 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 steals per game. He finished his career with 1,603 points, 413 rebounds, 242 assists and 234 steals.

Talton also was named the Clarence Cannon Conference Player of the Year, a first-team all conference selection and a first-team all-district pick.

In Class 1, Marion County senior Delaney Straus was named an MOBCA first-team all-stater after averaging 16.5 points per game and leading the Mustangs to the sectionals. Straus, who signed with Culver-Stockton College to play basketball and run track, shot 50.5 percent from the field this season.