Preview: Class 2 Sectionals
Here is a look at the upcoming Class 2 sectional games, which will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Tip off time for all games is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Also included are my predictions:
Hayti (20-5) vs. Oran (21-5), at Jackson: A rematch from last year’s sectional matchup, won by Oran on their way to the state championship. Another close game is expected between these two teams. Oran is led by 2019 guard Jacob Shoemaker and 2018 guard Layne Johnson. Hayti counters with athletic 6’0″ 2018 guard Darius Jones and 2018 guard Kobe xx. It should go down to the wire. (Prediction: Hayti).
Thayer (25-4) vs. Hartville (22-7) at Mountain Grove: Another sectional round rematch from last season, which was won by Hartville. Both have excellent teams again this season. Thayer is led by 6’5″ 2019 forward Ayden Stone and 2018 guard Jalen Andrew while Hartville is paced by 6’4″ 2018 forward Wyatt Ward. (Prediction: Hartville)
Crocker (21-8) vs. Spokane (17-10) at Lebanon: Crocker features an excellent forward in 6’5″ 2018 Ethyn Boorom, who averages 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, along with 2018 guard Adam Shockley. Spokane will counter with 6’1″ 2019 guard Isaiah Bean, who averages nearly 18 points a game. (Prediction: Crocker).
Blue Eye (21-5) vs. Purdy (22-6) at Carthage: Blue Eye features versatile 6’5″ 2019 forward Andrew Mitchell, who averages 19 points and can get buckets from nearly everywhere on the court. Purdy has an excellent group of perimeter players, led by 2018 guard Colt Keeling, who averages 22 points a game. (Prediction: Blue Eye).
Elsberry (14-13) vs. Van-Far (25-3) at Hannibal: This will be the third meeting between these two EMO Conference rivals. Both teams have taken a victory by double digits. This is the rubber match. Elsberry has a fine big in 6’6″ 2019 Garik Hill. Van-Far is led by 5’10” 2018 guard Lathyn Matthews, who averages 20 points a game. (Prediction: Van-Far)
Milan (26-2) vs. Harrisburg (22-6) at Mexico: Harrisburg is led by its 2018 dynamic duo of 6’4″ Cade Combs and 5’9″ Cody Karl. Combs erupted for 48 points in the Bulldogs’ victory over New Bloomfield in the district championship game. Milan is a program on the rise with 2020’s Ryan Dabney, Hunter Shaw and 2021 Dominic Dabney leading the way. (Prediction: Harrisburg).
Liberal (18-10) vs. Sacred Heart (27-1) at Clinton: Sacred Heart enters the playoffs as the No. 1 team in the state. The Gremlins are paced by 6’0″ 2018 guard Trent Lyles and 6’5″ 2018 forwards Colby Young and Micah Tanguay. Liberal features a strong 6’5″ 2018 post player in Matt Duggan, who averages 14 points and nearly nine rebounds a game. (Prediction: Sacred Heart).
Wellington-Napoleon (21-7) vs. Mid Buchanan (24-4) at Staley: A rematch from last year’s sectional round, which Wellington-Napoleon won by eight points. Well-Nap is built around the talents of 6’1″ 2019 guard Trey Shannon, who is averaging 24 points a game. Mid-Buchanan is led by 6’4″ 2018 forwards Hunter Scaggs. Both programs are used to winning a lot. (Prediction: Wellington-Napoleon).
(Andrew Mitchell photo courtesy of SWMO Basketball)