Five Takeaways: Southern Boone Classic
Prep Hoops Missouri was on the scene in Ashland, MO on Thursday night to take in the semifinals action at the Southern Boone Classic. In the first game, host Southern Boone trailed Fulton at halftime, but used a second-half blitz to run away with a 69-46 victory. In the second game, top-seeded Hallsville defeated Harrisburg 78-59. Hallsville and Southern Boone will meet for the championship on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Here are Five Takeaways from the action at the Southern Boone Classic
*Lots of teams in Mid-Missouri
The four teams in action represented some of the best that Mid-Missouri has to offer in different classes. All four of them have either won tournaments or played for championships of tournaments this season. Hallsville is now 19-1, Southern Boone is 14-5, Fulton is 14-2 while Harrisburg is 14-5. All of them like to get up and down the floor and put points on the board. The four teams are also in very competitive districts, but have they all have the talent to win them.
*Hallsville is 19-1 for a reason
The Indians have been tremendous all season and they showed their depth in their impressive victory over Harrisburg. They were without one of their top players in 6’3″ 2019 guard Luke Hicks, who was at home sick. Undaunted, the Indians’ offense still rolled as they scored 78 points and really excelled in the transition game. 6’2″ 2018 guard Ethan Thompson scored a game-high 23 points while 2018 guards Graham Moser and Alex Wimer chipped in with 15 points. The Indians are entertaining to watch as they have several players who can pass, catch and shoot the basketball. They are definitely a team to watch in Class 3.
*Southern Boone seems to have reloaded
The Eagles talented Class of 2017 took with them a pair of 25-victory seasons in ’16 and ’17, plus a district championship last year and plenty of experience. Southern Boone is a little younger and less experience, but that winning has continued as it takes a 14-5 record into Saturday’s championship game. The Eagles are built around the all-around talents of 6’2″ 2019 guard Sam Stichnote. He is difficult to stop off the dribble, plus he rebounds, passes and handles the ball. The Eagles have a pair of talented 2020 guards in speedy 6’1″ point guard Rece Gilmore and 6’3″ wing shooter Tyson Smith. 2019 guard Brady Trammell can also knock down perimeter shots.
*Harrisburg will again be a factor in Class 2
Thursday night wasn’t the best for the Bulldogs as they were defeated soundly by Hallsville 78-59 in the semifinals. Harrisburg finished third in last year’s Class 2 state tournament and they have a good shot to make another state run. That is because they have two stud players to count on in 6’4″ 2018 guard Cade Combs and 5’9″ 2018 guard Cody Karl. Both players are capable of putting up 30-point nights, and they have done so this season. The role players are solid and can make open shots.
*Some good names to add to coaches’ recruiting list
There were Division III coaches from Fontbonne and Westminster in the house for Thursday night’s games. There were a lot of good Class of 2018 players who are good prospects at the Division III and NAIA levels, including 6’2″ Ethan Thompson of Hallsville, 6’2″ Graham Moser of Hallsville, 6’4″ Cade Combs of Harrisburg, 5’9″ Kody Karl of Harrisburg, 6’2″ Cameron Vaughn of Fulton, 6’4″ Avery Reardon of Boonville, who looked strong in the consolation bracket. They are definitely worth a look.