Preview: Class 1 Sectionals
Here is a look at the matchups for the Class 1 Sectionals, which are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 27. Tip off for all games is scheduled for 7:45 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Scott County Central (12-17) vs. Advance (23-6) at Bloomfield: A potential high-scoring affair with two teams that know how to win. Despite the losing record, Scott County Central’s tradition came through with another district title. The Braves are led by 5’8″ 2018 guard Titus Fields. Advance has enjoyed a great four year run, which includes two trips to the Final Four. The leader is high-scoring 2018 guard Armani Vermillion. Advance won the earlier meeting 85-67 in January. (Prediction: Advance)
Eminence (28-1) vs. Dora (24-3) at Mountain Grove: One of the more attractive sectional games on the docket. Eminence is a balanced team led by 6’6″ 2019 forward Trent McBride and an excellent group of perimeter players, led by 2018 guard Drake Ethan Drake. Dora has a powerful young group of freshman led by 2021 scoring phenom Isaac Haney. This will be a third meeting between the two teams with Eminence winning both earlier meetings. (Prediction: Eminence).
Jamestown (26-2) vs. Chamois (18-9) at Sturgeon: This battle features two of the top post players at the Class 1 level in 6’5″ 2018 Trenton Barbour of Jamestown and 6’5″ Aaron Brandt of Chamois. Both have been dominant for their respective teams this season. The “X” factor could be 2018 guard Garrett Wolfe of Jamestown, who has also been excellent this season. Jamestown won the earlier meeting in late November. (Prediction: Jamestown)
Green City (22-6) vs. Slater (16-12) at Chillicothe: Green City is paced by 6’1″ 2019 bucket-getter Devin Fields, a slasher who is averaging 24 points a game, along with 2018 guard Ryan Peavler. Slater knocked off No. 1 seed Mendon Northwestern for a district title. They are led by 2018 guards Keshawn White and Reece Winn. (Prediction: Slater)
Walnut Grove (19-10 vs. Sheldon (17-10) at Webb City: Walnut Grove opened defense of its state championship with an impressive victory in District 5 over Greenfield. Talented 2018 guards Logan Thomazin (34) and Hunter Gilken (31) combined for 65 points. Sheldon is paced by 6’3″ 2018 forward Jason Leavell. (Prediction: Walnut Grove).
Lakeland (25-3) vs. Green Ridge (17-9) at Sedalia Smith-Cotton: This could be an entertaining game with some nice young talent. Lakeland is led by 6’2″ 2021 guard Rafe Kalberloh, who is averaging 18 points a game on a well-balanced team. Green Ridge has a nice youngster in 2020 guard Alex Ribikh. The two teams met in December with Green Ridge winning 70-67. (Prediction: Green Ridge).
Winston (25-2) vs. Worth County (23-5) at St. Joe Civic Center, 8:15 p.m. – An excellent matchup of size vs. speed in this contest. Winston is quick and relies on its pressure defense, led by its junior duo of guards Jacob Lewis and Cy Uthe. Worth County has good size in 6’3″ 2018 forward Cade Allee and 6’4″ 2018 forward Drake Kinsella. (Prediction: Winston)
North Andrew (26-0) vs. Mound City (21-7) at St. Joe Civic Center, 4:45 p.m. – The top-ranked Cardinals had a bit of a scare from a good St. Joe Christian team in the district finals, but they survived to keep its undefeated record intact. They are a veteran team that finished third in the state tournament a year ago. Mound City is a team full of underclassmen that is coming off of a big district championship win over rival Jefferson. (Prediction: North Andrew).