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Sikeston star PJ Farmer commits to SEMO
SIKESTON — In a major boost for Southeast Missouri State and the Bootheel region, Sikeston High School standout PJ Farmer has committed to play college basketball for the Redhawks.
The versatile 6-foot-2 rising senior guard is one of the most coveted recruits in the state. His commitment marks a significant victory for SEMO coach Brad Korn, who has been actively pursuing Farmer throughout his high school career.
“I chose SEMO because they have an amazing coaching staff and I just felt everything about them was genuine,” Farmer said. “I think as far as my play style as a point guard aligns very similarly to the way they allow their guards to play.”
While Farmer garnered offers from major Division I programs like Missouri and Ole Miss, his commitment to showcases the Redhawks' growing prominence and the allure of representing his community.
His standout junior season at Sikeston, where he averaged 14.3 points, 7.9 assists, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game, further validated his status as a top-tier recruit and earned him All-State honors in Class 5. Farmer's dynamic skill set and on-court leadership were undeniable factors in the Bulldogs' success, as they secured both the regular season and tournament titles in the SEMO Conference and made an impressive run to the state quarterfinals.
"The factor that weighed it the most was definitely how consistent [the SEMO coaches] were in contact,” Farmer said. “It gave me the assurance that I was truly wanted in the program."
Before transferring to Sikeston, Farmer played his sophomore season at Charleston High School, where he led the Bluejays to a 22-7 record and averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 4.2 steals per game. As a freshman at Charleston, he averaged 14.3 points per game and helped the team win the Class 3 state championship.
Farmer's commitment is a significant addition to SEMO’s rising expectations for the program in the coming seasons. While the Redhawks haven't officially announced any other commitments for the 2025 class, landing a player of Farmer's caliber is a statement of intent.
The opportunity to play close to home was a key factor in Farmer's decision, allowing his family and friends to easily attend games and support his collegiate career.
“My family and friends are right up the road so i’m sure they’ll be at a lot of games,” Farmer said. “But I’m hoping that more people in the bootheel area will support and sell the Show Me Center out every home game.”
Farmer's commitment is expected to spark a surge in local interest and attendance for SEMO games, as fans from Sikeston and the surrounding Bootheel region flock to watch one of its own compete at the collegiate level.
The move is a major coup for the Redhawks, as it not only secures a top-tier talent but also strengthens the program's connection to the community and boosts its visibility across the region.
"SEMO is not only getting a great point guard, but an exceptional young man," said Sikeston coach Gregg Holifield. “[Farmer’s] unselfishness, work ethic, and winning mentality are contagious. He'll make an immediate impact on and off the court. I'm confident he'll elevate the entire program and generate excitement throughout the area. His character and talent will undoubtedly draw in new fans and create a buzz around the program.”
Holifield, who has coached high school basketball for over two decades, lauded Farmer's exceptional skills as a point guard, emphasizing his ball-handling, decision-making, leadership, and unparalleled ability to anticipate plays on the court.
“[Farmer’s] basketball IQ is off the charts," Holifield said. "His anticipation and court vision are simply on another level compared to any other high school player I've seen. Those instincts, combined with his all-around skillset, will undoubtedly translate to success at the next level."
With a hint of anticipation in his voice, Holifield concluded, "Those things will carry over to the next level, and from a fan’s perspective, I’m looking forward to being able to watch him play at SEMO."