The Nixa boys' basketball team kicked off its 2025 campaign with a road trip to the Natural State on Dec. 11-13, competing in the Rogers, Ark., Hoopfest Tournament and successfully defending its title from the previous year.

The tournament featured a three-game round-robin format, with the team having the best overall record determining the champion.

With three of their five starters coming off playing for a state football title the week prior, they showed no signs of rust, dominating the opening round game against Russellville, Ark., 76-44. Nixa led 47-22 at the half, which was too much for the Cyclones of Russville to overcome. Adam McKnight and Ty Kellis paced the offense attack, scoring 27 and 20, respectively.

In the second game, Nixa was challenged by the Southmoore Sabercats of Oklahoma, featuring a three-star recruit, Tyson Pogi, who holds DI offers. After trailing 11-9 at the end of the first quarter, the Eagles made the necessary adjustments by doubling up on Pogi and went on to prevail 71-62, despite him scoring 26. Nixa dominated the boards, corralling 20 rebounds to Southmoore's nine, which ultimately helped lead the Eagles to victory. McKnight (23) and Kellis (10) poured in double digits once again, while Colt McCoy added 15, too.

Nixa faced Heritage, Ark., in what was the Eagles title game. McKnight, again, led the offense, posting his third double-digit performance in the tournament with 30, helping lead Nixa to a 72-56 victory and repeat as champions. Point guard Randy Flint added 13 points to follow behind McKnight. Newcomer Logan Presson provided a nice spark offensively with 11 points. 

McKnight concluded the tournament, averaging 26.7 PPG.

Following the tournament, Nixa defeated Bentonville, Ark., 80-67, and fell to Lee's Summit 88-81 in overtime.