Canyon Kimbrough – Joplin’s Unsung Post Presence
Growing into a role
On a Joplin team that has struggled in recent seasons, Canyon Kimbrough embodies steady progress. The MaxPreps 2025–26 roster lists him as a senior small forward/power forward for the Eagles, and he has spent the last few seasons honing his craft in limited minutes. Head coach Nick Pfeifer noted in a Nov. 29, 2024, Joplin Globe/Yahoo Sports article that he would lean on perimeter shooters like Trenton Gage and juniors Fred Taylor, Canyon Kimbrough and Hudson Matthiesen to add scoring punch. The coach emphasised that Joplin wanted to “share the basketball” and “get downhill” to put pressure on defenses, an ethos that suited Kimbrough’s willingness to do the dirty work.
Earning trust through work ethic
Kimbrough’s diligence paid off as he entered his senior season. In the 2025–26 Winter Preview from Ozarks Sports Zone, Pfeifer highlighted Joplin’s six‑man senior class—Taylor, Brecken Green, David Bhend, John Jasper, Canyon Kimbrough and Isaiah Thom—and said all of them had logged some varsity minutes. While Jasper was described as the most traditional post player, Pfeifer said “Canyon Kimbrough has been steady with a great work ethic and he can shoot the ball.” With more opportunity comes more responsibility: the coach added that the Eagles would need Kimbrough to defend and rebound, signaling a shift from spot shooter to complete forward. He and fellow senior Isaiah Thom each averaged roughly 10 minutes per game last season, but Pfeifer believed their summer work had prepared them for a larger role.
Building depth in a balanced attack
Joplin hopes to turn last season’s 4‑23 record into a competitive run through depth and defense. Pfeifer said his team wants to attack the rim and put pressure on defenses despite not having overwhelming size. To do that, the Eagles will rely on a mix of seniors and juniors; Kimbrough must join Taylor and Green in setting the tone for younger players like TJ Willis, Tucker Martin and Traveon Simmons. Pfeifer believes competition in practice will elevate everyone, telling Ozarks Sports Zone that the senior class provides leadership while the junior class “should be pushing them.”
Moments on the scoreboard
Kimbrough’s contributions have rarely been flashy, but they have been tangible. In a Feb. 14, 2025, game recap from Republic Tiger Sports, Joplin fell 72‑44 to Republic, yet the scoring summary showed Kimbrough on the scoresheet with two points. While modest, those minutes offered valuable experience in high‑pressure road environments. Later that summer, the Eagles hosted a jamboree and prepared for early‑season tournaments like the Carthage Invitational and 12 Courts of Christmas; Kimbrough’s ability to play multiple front‑court positions made him a useful piece for Coach Pfeifer’s rotation.
Looking ahead
As the 2025–26 season began, Pfeifer summed up Joplin’s path forward: “If you can’t defend you have no chance. If you can defend then you at least have a chance but now you’ve got to score.” For Canyon Kimbrough, that meant embracing the gritty tasks of defending and rebounding while also stretching defenses with his shooting. His coach’s praise for his work ethic suggests he is ready for the challenge. Surrounded by a seasoned senior class and an eager group of juniors, Kimbrough has the opportunity to turn steady minutes into lasting impact, helping Joplin take the next step in its rebuilding journey.
