While it will be his name, alone, that will adorn the Class 4 all-state basketball plaque, Troy Anderson said that he knows the award is far from a solo honor.

For the first time since the 2002-03 season, Anderson will represent Warrenton on the top team in all of Missouri Class 4 boys’ basketball.

“I am beyond grateful to be selected and for me to be the first since 2003, it's an incredible honor, to say the least,” Anderson said. “I have no one to thank besides my teammates, coaches, and family. They have all been with me every step of the way, pushing me harder and harder. They all knew where I wanted to go, and they made sure I got there.”

The 6-foot-3 Anderson led the Warriors (16-13) to the team’s first winning record in six seasons. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in his final high school season.

Anderson is the first Warriors player to be recognized as all-state since Brett Ledbetter earned the honor in 2003.

For Anderson, winning the award was never even a thought, simply helping his team and teammates succeed was top-of-mind. Earning upset wins over Parkway North and Holt in district play kept his final season going and that was all Anderson genuinely wanted, he said.

“Even after winning those games in districts, my mind was always set on the next game,” Anderson said. “Winning the next game was the only thing going through my mind not only in districts but throughout the season, too. I think, in all, as a team we had a good season. I think that we left a lot of winnable games on the table that we could have gotten, but making it to the district championship is a pretty big achievement. As for my performance, I will never meet my standards but that is just who I am. I always think that there was something I could have done better in every game to get a win. Earning the accolades I did is an honor but always room to improve.” 

In addition to the all-state honor, Anderson made the Class 5 District 4 all-district team and was also named the district’s Player of the Year. He was also named to the GAC North Conference all-conference first team and its all-academic team.

Warrenton coach Mark Thomas said that while Anderson’s efforts have been recognized in a variety of ways, it’s the all-state honor that truly resonates with him. After all, the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association only takes the 20 best overall players in the state.

“Unlike other all-state teams, there is only one all-state list that is voted upon by the MBCA,” Thomas said. “They pride themselves on it being a very elite process. There are only 20 names on the list and that part that makes it harder than other team sports, in my opinion, is that it’s positionless – you’re just considered a basketball player. There’s no thought like there would be for a catcher or a quarterback. You’re one of the top 20 overall. That is very special, and it just shows how special of a player Troy has been for us.”

With a tremendous final season and a bevy of awards in hand, Anderson will now head off to the Truman State University basketball program as a scholarship athlete.

It is a challenge Anderson is ready to embrace, he said.

“I am extremely excited, and slightly nervous, to continue playing at Truman,” Anderson said. “I have gotten to meet the coaching staff and some of the guys and it is exactly where I want to be. Reflecting on my four seasons at Warrenton, I couldn't have asked for anything better. Our team was a family and we really showed that this last season. I love my teammates and coaches to death and can't wait to see them grow in the future.”