Championship Thursday Night
The first wave of district championship games will be played on Thursday night, primarily in the Southeast part of the state. Here is a look at those eight championship games with predictions.
Charleston (21-5) vs. Malden (22-6), 7:30 p.m. – This is the championship game of Class3, District 1 featuring the top two seeds. Top seed Charleston has been one of the best teams in the state throughout the season, but Malden is a worthy challenger. The two teams staged a double overtime thriller on Feb. 6 with Charleston taking an 81-79 decision. The Bluejays have a strong 1-2 punch in 2018s Demarcus Sharp and Mardareyon Clark while Malden counters with excellent 5’9″ 2018 guard Dushawn Butler. (Prediction: Charleston).
Park Hills Central (19-9) vs. Steelville (21-4), 7:30 p.m. – This is Class 3, District 3 championship game. Park Hills Central is no stranger to winning district championships as it has been on a roll in recent years. Steelville figures to provide a good challenge to the Rebels throne. (Prediction: Park Hills Central).
Bernie (21-6) vs. Hayti (19-5), 7:30 p.m. – These top two seeds will meet for the Class 2, District 1 championship at Cuba. Top seed Bernie is led by 2018 guard Nate Dillinger, who can really put the ball in the basket. No. 2 seed Hayti is small and very quick with 2018 guard Darius Jones providing many big plays. It should be a good one. (Prediction: Hayti).
St. Vincent (21-4) vs. Oran (20-5), 7;30 p.m. – Oran is the defending Class 2 state champions, but they are the No. 2 seed tonight as they face No. 1 seed and host St. Vincent for the District 2 championship. St. Vincent has a fine all-around guard in 2018 Trevor Lukefahr while Oran is led by 2019 guard Jacob Shoemaker. It should be quite an atmosphere. (Prediction: Oran)
Thayer (24-4) vs. Neelyville (22-6), 7:30 p.m. – This meeting is for the Class 2, District 3 championship at Van Buren. No. 1 seed Thayer had a battle on its hands in the semifinals against Ellington, but they survived to return to the finals against a good Neelyville team. (Prediction: Thayer)
Risco (19-9) vs. Scott County Central (11-16), 7 p.m. – This meeting is for the Class 1, District 1 championship at Clarkton. These two teams staged an excellent championship game last year with Scott County Central taking a 55-51 decision. Both teams have excellent guards as Risco is led by 2019 shooter Nathan Burnett while Scott County Central is led by 2018 guard Titus Fields.
Advance (20-6) vs. Oak Ridge (15-11), 6 p.m. – This meeting is for the the Class 1, District 2 championship at Delta. Advance is looking to make another run to the Final Four after finishing second last season. The Hornets will ride the talents of 2018 guard Armani Vermillion. (Prediction: Advance)
Eminence (27-1) vs. South Iron (22-3), 7:30 p.m. – This meeting is for the Class 1, District 3 championship at Lesterville. South Iron has enjoyed an excellent season, but No. 1 seed Eminence has been tremendous all season with his balanced inside-outside attack. (Prediction: Eminence).