Preview: A look at state’s top Class 4 contenders
With Class 4-5 district play scheduled to begin play soon, PrepHoops.com/Missouri looks at some of the state’s top contenders in Class 4. Bolivar Liberators (21-4) Had won six straight before falling on Friday to Ozark (54-48). They feature one of…
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Continue ReadingWith Class 4-5 district play scheduled to begin play soon, PrepHoops.com/Missouri looks at some of the state’s top contenders in Class 4.
Bolivar Liberators (21-4)
Had won six straight before falling on Friday to Ozark (54-48). They feature one of the state’s top 1-2 punches in 6’6 2017 big man Brandon Emmert (Central Missouri) and 6’1 2017 guard Conley Garrison. Their other losses came to Helias, Willard and Hillcrest. They will likely have to get past Hillcrest in district play who they have split a pair of games against this season.
Grandview Bulldogs (21-4)
They haven’t gotten a lot of attention and aren’t even ranked in the latest Class 4 poll, but Grandview has put together a nice season and have some terrific individual players and talent. They are led by 6’4 2018 Jordan Lathon, one of the state’s most highly recruited 2018 players. Lathon is averaging nearly 17 points per game to go along with 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game. He teams with 2018 guard Mason Taylor to form a dynamic 1-2 punch in the backcourt. Along with 5’6 2019 guard Deandre Sorrell, 6’4 2018 forward Michael Newke, 6’2 2017 guard Tremaine Banks and 6’4 2018 forward Cartez Crook-Jones, Grandview has no shortage of talent. The Bulldogs play a tough KC-area schedule and enter the postseason having won 12 of 13.
Helias Crusaders (18-7)
Have one of the state’s premier players in 2018 guard Landon Harrison, who is averaging 25 points and 3.5 steals per game. The Crusaders feature some size, especially in big man 6’6 2018 Nathan Bax, as well as terrific depth with a host of players getting key minutes this season. They enter the postseason having lost back-to-back games against Tolton and Rock Bridge, and recently lost to Hogan Prep and Quincy Notre Dame.
Hillsboro Hawks (23-3)
They are led by 2018 forward Gavin Pinkley and Michael Brewer. Pinkley is a 6’8 2018 forward who is among the St. Louis area’s most highly recruited juniors and is averaging 21.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this season. Brewer is a 6’4 2019 forward who is averaging 16 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. The Hawks enter the postseason having won seven straight games.
Jennings Warriors (21-4)
Team has won eight of its last nine entering district play with its only loss during that time coming to Parkway West (53-51). Team has gotten production from Terran Jackson and Kyle Young, with A 6’3 2018 guard, Johnson is averaging 15.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, while Younge, a 5’9 2018 point guard, is averaging 17.6 points per game.
McCluer Comets (18-8)
Don’t let the eight losses fool you, McCluer might be the hottest team in Class 4 right now. They have won 10 of their last 11 with the only loss coming to Webster Groves over that stretch. They have a win over Sikeston this season and have played a brutal schedule. The Comets will have to get past Jennings though in what should be an epic district showdown.
Sikeston Bulldogs (21-4)
They are in the midst of another big season after entering the Final Four last year sporting a 28-1 record. They return a lot of the same players from that squad, including St. Louis recruit Fred Thatch, a do-everything 6-3 2018 guard, and Kevin Jones, a 5’11 2019 guard, among others. However, Sikeston is entering postseason play having lost two straight to end the regular season, falling to Miller Career Academy and Jackson.
St. Mary’s Dragons (23-3)
Have put together a big season on the hardwood and have won eight straight entering district play. They have dropped games to SLUH, Belleville East and Alton, but have otherwise run the table against a tough schedule. They have been led this season by Antonio Burks and Yahuza Rasas. Burks, a 6’2 2018 guard, is averaging 13.7 points per game, while Rasas, a 6’6 2018 forward, is averaging 13.4 ppg.
Vashon Wolverines (20-3)
They are the big favorites in Class 4 and are among the state’s most talented teams with depth and talent at every position. They have tremendous length, good guard play in Daniel Farris (6’0, 2017) and Casey Cody-Jackson (6’1, 2017), good wing players in Koray Gilbert (6’4, 2017) and Joseph Reece (6’8, 2018), the state’s top post player in Levi Stockard (6’8, 2017) and tremendous depth with a future Division I recruit in Mario Mckinney (6’2, 2019) coming off the bench. Vashon has played a tough schedule and its only three losses this season have come to Blue Valley Northwest, Jonesboro (Ark.) and Webster Groves.