Friday Night Predictions
Here is a look at some of the top games this weekend, plus our predictions:
Milan at North Andrew, 7 p.m. – A big showdown featuring Class 1, No. 1 and 19-0 North Andrew against Class 2, No. 4 and 19-1 Milan in the Grand River Conference Crossover championship game. North Andrew is a veteran team led by 2018s Jacob Powelson, Ryan Hughes and Caleb Patterson. By contrast, Milan is led by a crew of youngsters in 2020s Ryan Dabney and Hunter Shaw, plus 2021 guard Dominic Dabney. (Prediction: North Andrew).
St. Mary’s at Charleston, Saturday, 7 p.m. – Class 4 No. 3 ranked St. Mary’s travels to the boot to take on Class 3, No. 7 Charleston in a big non-conference game. St. Mary’s has a balanced, veteran team that is paced by 2019 point guard Yuri Collins. Charleston features the strong 1-2 punch of 2018 forward Mardareyon Clark and 2018 guard Demarcus Sharp. (Prediction: Charleston).
Hallsville vs. Southern Boone, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. – These two Class 3 Mid-Missouri teams will meet for the championship of the Southern Boone Classic. Both are coming off impressive double-digit victories in the semifinals on Thursday night. Hallsville defeated Harrisburg while Southern Boone defeated Fulton. (Prediction: Hallsville).
Hogan Prep at Helias, 7 p.m. – Class 3, No. 6 Hogan Prep makes another trip to Mid-Missouri to take on another quality opponent for the second consecutive week in Class 4 Helias. Hogan Prep took down previously undefeated Rock Bridge last weekend behind a stellar performance from speedy 2018 guard Damien Daniels. Helias has an excellent 2018 guard of its own in 5’10” Landon Harrison. (Prediction: Hogan Prep).
Nixa at Ozark, 7:45 p.m. – A conference battle between these two long time rivals with excellent programs. Ozark has been enjoying another strong season led by 6’3″ 2018 sharpshooter Quinn Nelson. Nixa is coming off the championship of its won tournament last weekend. They are led by 6’2″ 2019 guard Braeden Combs and talented 2021 guard Kaleb Wofford. (Prediction: Ozark).