SPRINGFIELD — Arguably the top incoming freshman in area boys’ basketball, Kickapoo 2021 point guard Anton Brookshire is eying a starting role in the Chiefs’ backcourt.

The nephew of former Missouri State point guard Rob Yanders, Brookshire is coming off a strong summer playing up an age for Yanders Law on the NY2LA circuit. At 6’0, Brookshire is a knock-down shooter who can handle the ball and get to the basket

“I’m an aggressive player,” he said. “I’m really good off the dribble. I also have a great jump shot. Try to control the game as best as I can.”

Brookshire says the summer of offseason work with his uncle helped prepare him for the varsity level this season.

“This summer was good and I think I learned a lot of stuff over the summer,” Brookshire said. “I played against some great competition with a different type of camps and leagues than I’m used to. Played against some good guys from several states. I still play my game, and I think I have gotten a lot better.”

Brookshire said Yanders has had the biggest influence on his basketball career to date.

“Rob has always been there for me,” he said. “Every time I feel like I am doing enough, he makes me push harder. And I thought I was doing enough a long time ago. We’ve pushed on several times since them. Really taken my game up a notch, and we’re still going.”

Brookshire is one of several players competing for playing time this season in the Kickapoo backcourt but earned a significant role this past summer during team camp and often shined.

“For me to be a freshman and start varsity is something I am hoping for,” Brookshire said. “To play along with my teammates. I want to work hard and work with the team and play my game. But I want to fit in. Do my best, while helping my guys. That’s my goal. Hopefully we have a great season.”

Brookshire says he is a fan of the Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving and has tried to take various elements of his game and make them his own.

“He moves and a lot of stuff that he (does) moving his body,” Brookshire said. “Also Isaiah Thomas because he is not that tall. They do good in a big man’s world. I watch those two guys to try to get my game better.”