Friday Night Preview
Here is a look at some of the top games around the state this weekend:
Parkway Central at Jennings, Friday, 7 p.m. – A conference championship will be on the line between two teams that played each other in the Class 4 state quarterfinals last season, which Central won. Both teams are led by outstanding Class of 2018 guards. Central is led by 6’1″ guard Deandre Campbell while Jennings is paced by 5’10” guard Kyle Younge. The styles are different as Central is a tough half-court man-to-man team while Jennings loves the full court press.
Rockhurst at Rock Bridge, Friday, 7 p.m. – Last Friday night, Rock Bridge scored a huge victory on the road against a good Hazelwood Central team as 6’6″ 2019 wing Isiaih Mosley scored 33 points and fellow 2019 guard Jamonta Black scored 21 points. The Bruins will get a visit from a very good Rockhurst team that is led by 2018 guard Xavier Rhodes and a talented group of 2019 players, led by forwards Dalen Rigdnal and Darrius Hughes.
Ozark at Republic, Saturday, 7 p.m. – Two excellent programs in the Southwest region will hook up as Ozark continues to be led by 6’3″ 2018 guard Quinn Nelson and 6’4″ 2018 forward Payton Nichols. Republic suffered a home-court loss to Nixa on Tuesday, so they are eager to get back on the winning track. They are led by 6’3″ 2019 guard Broc Smith.
Rolla at Glendale, Friday, 7 p.m. – Another very entertaining matchup in the Southwest region. Rolla improved its record to 21-1 with a buzzer-beater against Parkview. Talented 6’4″ 2018 guard Josh Pritchett is a fine all-around player. The Bulldogs will have to deal with Glendale’s wide-open perimeter attack, led by 6’3″ 2018 Monty Johal and fellow 2018 guards Jordan Walton and Jaxon Davis.
Sikeston at Jackson, Saturday, 7 p.m – An excellent SEMO Conference matchup between two teams who are favorites to win district championships in two weeks. Sikeston’s Fred Thatch is regaining his form after missing five games with an ankle injury. He scored 36 points in a victory over Cape Central last Friday. Jackson has a veteran group of seniors who have been playing well and are preparing for a run at a fifth consecutive district championship in Class 5.