BRIEFLY: OTAHKIAN HOOP RECRUIT WINS STATE HONOR

Regan Hughston of West Plains, who has signed to play basketball for Southeast Missouri State University's women, has been named Missouri's USA Today Player of the Year.

Hughston, a 6-foot-1 senior forward, led West Plains to the Class 4A state championship this year. She averaged 17 points and six rebounds per game while shooting 62 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free-throw line.

Jackson senior Christa Millham was one of several honorable-mention choices as USA Today Player of the Year in Missouri. Millham, like Hughston an all-state selection, has signed with New Mexico State. Jackson lost to West Plains in the 4A championship game.

JaRon Rush of Kansas City Pembroke Hill was the Missouri boys USA Today Player of the Year. The UCLA signee averaged 27 points per game in leading Pembroke to a second straight 2A championship.