Kanon Gipson - Missouri State University

From Logan-Rogersville to We Are United to Missouri State University… Kanon Gipson is keeping the local hoop scene strong.

Yanders Law alumni, Kanon Gipson, is living out his childhood dream of becoming a Missouri State Bear. We have had the privilege of watching and aiding Kanon along his journey. Through Yanders Law, Logan-Rogersville, and We Are United, Kanon has transformed from a kid with a good-looking outside stroke to a leader, facilitator, and Division I collegiate talent.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Bear,” Gipson says. “So many kids around here want to do that - to play for the hometown team.” Staying local has always been ideal for Kanon, but he was close to choosing a different path.

“I was close to committing to another school,” says Gipson, who played for Rob Yanders’ We Are United prep last season. “Really (Missouri State) just fell in my lap at the right time. It was too big, too good to pass up.”

When asked about his biggest takeaways from his time with We Are United, Kanon could not help but gush a bit about his Coach, Rob Yanders.

“Where do I start with that guy,” Gipson says. “I used to think that I knew what hard work was. He showed me what hard work was and drilled it into me. With We Are United, things were really focused on teamwork and leadership. So I would say leadership and work ethic are the biggest pieces I’m taking away from Rob and The Basketball Movement.”

Currently, Kanon says he is working on his strength ahead of his first NCAA season. “We are practicing, and I’m going up against these guys and getting stronger,” Gipson says. “We are learning roles, and since we have some older players, I am able to pick their brains as well.”

Gipson, who would like to coach someday, aims to be the hardest working player on the court and one of the loudest. He knows he has his work cut out for him to be a leader as a freshman. But, he says that he is ready.

With so many players moving around through the transfer portal, Gipson has a chance to shine for a MSU squad that will need to find its identity in a hurry. He is thrilled to be a part of the Missouri State family.

“It is what I’ve dreamed of,” Gipson says. “I’m excited for my parents. (Staying local) also means that Rob and guys like Coach Craig that have helped me get to watch me. Younger kids from the area can as well and see what they can do.”

We wish Kanon luck as he continues his journey in basketball, but as he knows, skill trumps luck more often than not. He will undoubtedly keep grinding and make our area proud!

Isaac Haney - Northwestern State

Another SW MO standout and Yanders Law alum commits to a new school - Isaac Haney is headed to Northwestern State.

Isaac Haney torched the prep scene in Missouri and traveling with Yanders Law around the country. During his first year in the NCAA, he was an impactful player for a solid Missouri State squad. When he decided to enter the transfer portal, he admittedly did not know quite what to expect.

“It was definitely all very new,” Haney tells The Basketball Movement. “I had not spoken to anyone that had personally done it. I talked with family and all my supporters, people like Rob (Yanders) that are closest to me. Like anything else, you just take it as it comes. It felt kind of like my sophomore and junior seasons (in high school) getting recruited all over again.”

During his time playing for Missouri State, Haney came away with a wealth of experience as he continues to grow with the game he has always loved.

“I learned how to adjust to the college game,” Haney says. “It is a bit like in high school when you come in as a freshman but get to play varsity against guys that may be three or four years older than you. Getting recruited is tough enough, but then you’re back to playing older dudes again.”

Isacc says that the best thing to come out of his year with MSU was becoming more physically equipped to play at the college level.

Asked how he decided to play for Northwestern State, Haney gives a nod to his new head coach and a desire to continue the winning ways he has been accustomed to throughout his career.

“I had to take a step back and think about what was best for me and my future,” Haney says. “I also have a great relationship with Coach (Corey) Gipson. He’s about what I’m about - winning most of all. (Northwestern) is a smaller school, but we’ll be able to compete with whoever we play.”

Moving over 400 miles to Louisiana will be a big transition for the prolific guard, but it is really just one more challenge for Haney to conquer as he always has.

“(Moving so far) is not what I would probably call ideal,” Haney says. “But, I am excited and thankful." The town is smaller and actually feels like home at West Plains. Even if it is not ideal, I am more excited than nervous.”

Haney is majoring in business administration and is choosing to emphasize financial planning. His GPA is sitting around 3.9 after his first year in school, and he seems to have a hang of being a collegiate student-athlete."

“It’s been nice,” Haney says. “I owe a lot to academic advisors in my corner, giving me the tools to be stress-free in the classroom.”

New school, same “Ice” Haney on the hardwood and in the classroom. The Basketball Movement and #LawNation will back Isaac in all his endeavors - he earned Rob Yanders’ stamp of approval long ago. He keeps getting better, and we are excited to see what he does for the Northwestern program. Good luck, Isaac!