Semoball Scholar-Athlete Asher Britt takes talents to Quincy

Asher Britt, center, of Scott County Central accepts the Bank of Missouri Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year award from Ed Flores of The Bank of Missouri, left, and keynote speaker Brian Jordan, right, at the Semoball Awards, presented by Mercy, on July 14, 2024.

Bailey Bagot ~ Silver Landing Photography

SIKESTON, Mo. – The path to college basketball is rarely a straight line, but for Asher Britt, every challenge has been met with the same quiet intensity: a refusal to fail.

From a season-ending injury to balancing a demanding academic workload, the newly minted Semoball Scholar-Athlete has consistently found ways to overcome obstacles and excel both on and off the court. Now, that determination has earned him a spot with the Quincy University basketball program, where he'll look to prove that his tenacious work ethic and keen understanding of the game can translate to success at the next level.

“The definition of a gym rat,” is how Scott County Central coach Tim Carlisle describes Britt. “He refuses to fail at anything he does. He is one of the toughest players, both mentally and physically, and he’s the kind of player who never stops working. And he is just as serious about his academics. He works equally hard on his game and in the classroom.”

Asher Britt (center) celebrates his signing with Quincy University alongside his family. The Semoball Scholar-Athlete looks to make an impact on the court and in the classroom as he pursues his basketball dreams.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The recent graduate finished high school with a laundry list of academic honors, including MBCA Academic All-State recognition, and membership in the National Honor Society. He's a shining example of what it means to excel in both arenas.

“He is a role model student-athlete for younger kids who wish to become great both on the court and in the classroom,” Carlisle added.

Britt's academic achievements are not just a byproduct of his intelligence; they're proof that he attacks the books with the same tenacity he attacks the rim.

Scott County Central's Asher Britt (45) put up a shot during a loss at Kelly on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2023.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

"Time management was a skill I had to learn early on,” Britt said. "I had to learn how to squeeze the most out of every minute, whether it was putting up shots in the gym or cramming for a test. My parents always emphasized that academics were just as important, if not more important, than sports.”

Their encouragement led him to take on dual enrollment courses at Southeast Missouri State University, a decision that not only boosted his GPA but also gave him a head start on college.

"I'll be starting this fall as a sophomore, credits-wise," Britt said. “It was a challenge but it was worth it.”

Scott County Central's Asher Britt leaps for a contested shot against Oran in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 28, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

Britt's senior season ended abruptly with a broken foot, a cruel twist of fate for a player who had averaged 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the field. But instead of succumbing to despair, Britt channeled his frustration into a new role: Braves’ brain trust. He dissected game film, scouted opponents, and offered insights to his teammates and coaches.

“When he got hurt a little over halfway through our season, we lost a player, but gained another coach,” Carlisle said. “He would come in and talk to me about different plays, our opponents, and how he thought we could exploit their different weaknesses.”

While his body healed, Britt's mind went into overdrive. Sidelined from the physical aspects of the game, he dove deeper into the mental and strategic elements.

SCC's Asher Britt (44) works in the paint during a 72-66 overtime win over Advance in the 68th Annual Oran Invitational on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

"I could have easily felt sorry for myself and given up," Britt said. "But I chose to see the injury as an opportunity. It gave me more time to study the game, work on my mental toughness, and learn new ways to recover and get stronger."

The Semoball Scholar-Athlete Award, established in 2014, is one of the most prestigious honors for student-athletes in Southeast Missouri.

Britt's selection marks a historic moment for SCC, as he is the first Brave or Bravette to receive the honor.

From left, Risco Tiger Eli Rodgers, SCC Braves Asher Britt and Tay Banks, Risco Tigers Owen Fortner and Aaron Denson all vie for a rebound at Risco this past season.

Photo by Steve Hankins

“It meant a lot, knowing that all of my hard work not just on the court but in the classroom paid off,” Britt said. “That the hours spent studying and doing homework were worth it. It was also a great cap to end my high school days and allow me to look forward to my upcoming college career. “When I heard my name called I flashed back through my past four years of high school,” he continued. “All of the time spent in the gym and in the classroom, knowing all that led to this moment was truly the perfect capstone.”

With this crowning achievement in hand, Britt now sets his sights on Quincy, where a new chapter awaits.

For Britt, Quincy was the perfect blend of opportunity and familiarity. The small-school atmosphere and "river town vibes" resonated with him, offering a sense of comfort as he embarks on this next chapter.

"It felt like home away from home," Britt said. “And they have a great coaching staff. It is a team that loves basketball and doesn’t cheat the game. With new coaches, they’ll be looking to prove something and start winning. I am most excited just to continue playing basketball and living out a dream that I’ve had for a long time.”

Mercy is the presenting sponsor of the Semoball Awards, the area’s premier awards show recognizing student-athletes and coaches in Southeast Missouri.

But it wasn't just the atmosphere that drew him in; Quincy's academic offerings aligned perfectly with his future aspirations. The opportunity to continue his basketball career while pursuing a degree that could one day help him expand his family's coffee business sealed the deal.

Britt's path to Quincy didn't follow the traditional recruiting script. After attending an elite camp last August, he proactively sought out the opportunity to join the Hawks as a walk-on when he saw open roster spots posted online.

"I weighed out all of my options and I prayed over it and I knew God was leading me to go to Quincy," Britt said.

Britt's journey at Quincy will start from the ground up, literally. He's fully expecting to spend his first year on the development team, a group of players who practice and train together but don't see game action. Yet, the humble athlete sees this as a blessing in disguise.

"This is just another challenge in the wake of many that I have overcome in the past," Britt said. “It also keeps me motivated to move up the ranks to reach the varsity team and earn a scholarship."

Often forced to bang down low in high school, Britt, a natural guard, sees the development year as a runway to refine his ball-handling, shooting, and playmaking skills – all the tools of a dynamic backcourt threat.

Britt's academic interests extend far beyond the classroom walls. He's always been drawn to the science field, particularly chemistry and biology, and sees a connection between his future studies and his family's business, Red Banner Coffee Roasters in Cape Girardeau.

"While a business degree may seem more applicable to running a business," he said. “That doesn't really interest me. I've always loved the science field, and having a way that it can apply to coffee is one way I can continue my passion."

Chemistry, he explains, is essential to understanding the complex flavors and aromas that make coffee so enticing. And biology, with its focus on plant growth and soil composition, could unlock the secrets to cultivating the perfect coffee bean. It's a unique blend of interests, one that reflects Britt's intellectual curiosity and his desire to elevate his family's craft to new heights.

Britt's work ethic isn't a recent phenomenon; it's been a part of his DNA since he first stepped onto the court.

"I was never the most talented on the team," Britt said. “But I always wanted it more than anyone, and loved it more than anyone."

That love for the game transformed into an unyielding dedication the summer before his freshman year.

"I asked my parents to drive me to the SEMO Rec Center every morning before work," Britt said. "I'd be there from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., five days a week."

Those countless hours of sacrifice laid the foundation for the "gym rat" reputation he now proudly owns.

The path to Quincy hasn’t always been smooth, but the challenges faced and sacrifices made have molded Britt into a battle-tested competitor.

"Adversity has taught me how to adapt and find ways to win, even when things don't go as planned," he said. “It’s not just about the hours in the gym. It’s the financial commitment — the AAU fees, the travel, the training — that adds up. It’s probably been close to $10,000 in the past three years alone.”

But the real cost, he admits, is measured in missed moments with friends, the laughter and camaraderie that most teenagers take for granted.

"Friendships took a backseat," Britt said. “Countless Friday nights, while my buddies were out making memories, I was grinding away in a silent gym, chasing a dream most wouldn't understand. But that’s the sacrifice you have to make if you want to be at the next level.”

Britt isn't just joining a new team; he's joining a program with a renewed sense of purpose. The hiring of Brad Hoyt, a six-time conference champion at John Wood Community College, has injected new energy into the Hawks.

"Quincy just went through a coaching change this summer,” Britt said. “But I feel this may actually be an advantage for me. Having three coaching changes over the course of my high school career has allowed me to become adaptable. I've learned to adjust to different styles and systems quickly, and I'm confident that I can thrive in any situation.

“Honestly, I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder,” he concluded. “I never had any true talent in the game of basketball, but I have always had the desire to work hard. I’ve had to earn everything that has come my way. I have learned that nothing is given, everything is earned.”