Preview: Class 3 Sectionals
Here is a look at the Class 3 sectional playoffs, which will be held on Wednesday night. All games are schedule to tip off at 7:45 p.m. Here are capsules of the sectional games along with my predictions.
Charleston (22-8) vs. Saxony Lutheran (22-7) at Dexter: A rematch of last year’s sectional playoffs won by Saxony Lutheran. Charleston is athletic and relies on its defense to create turnovers and transition. They are led by 6’4″ 2018 forward Mardareyon Clark and 6’2″ 2018 guard Demarcus Sharp. Saxony has excellent size in 6’5″ 2018 forward Austin Jarvis and 6’8″ 2018 center Trae Robinson, plus a good guard in 2018 Jalen Williams. (Prediction: Charleston)
Park Hills Central (20-9) vs. Whitfield (20-7) at Jefferson College: A rematch of last year’s sectional game, won by Whitfield. The Warriors are looking for a third consecutive Final Four berth and 6’5″ 2018 guard Torrence Watson will try to take them there. The Rebels have a talented 2020 duo in 6’2″ Brenton Wagner and 6’5″ Breven McMullen plus 2018 guard Wade Scherffius (Prediction: Whitfield).
Father Tolton (14-13) vs. Mountain Grove (28-1) at Missouri S&T: Mountain Grove has been tremendous the past three seasons, including two consecutive Final Four berths. MG has a strong 2018 crew in Carter Otwell, Connor McNew and Cade Coffman. Tolton won a strong District 9 tournament as a No. 4 seed. They are young, but dangerous with 6’3″ 2020 guard Coban Porter and 2019 Beau Washer leading the way. (Prediction: Mountain Grove).
Springfield Catholic (21-8) vs. Mt. Vernon (21-8) at Willard: Catholic has a strong cast of players, but 6’2″ 2019 Jake Branham has emerged with some tremendous scoring games down the stretch, including 35 points in the district championship game against Strafford. Mt. Vernon is paced by emerging 6’8″ 2018 forward Kyle Bushman, who can dominate at both ends of the floor. (Prediction: Catholic).
Carnahan (11-13) vs. Northwest Academy (20-7) at St. Charles West: Carnahan made history by winning its first ever district title, but waiting for them are the defending state champions. Northwest survived a loaded district with wins over Duchesne and Trinity to win District 6. They are led by 6’7″ 2018 forward Jamarr Williams and a strong group of perimeter players. Carnahan features a fine all-around player in 6’2″ 2018 guard Aaron Brookins, who can really stuff the stat sheet. (Prediction: Northwest Academy)
Christian-O’Fallon (19-9) vs. Monroe City (24-4) at Moberly Area C.C.: Christian-O’Fallon won its first district title behind its talented 2018 duo of 6’6″ Zach Harding and 6’0″ point guard Zach Niemeyer and a crew of talented freshmen. Monroe City is built around the talents of 6’3″ 2019 guard CE Talton, who can really score. (Prediction: Christian-O’Fallon)
Versailles (16-12) vs. Hogan Prep (22-4) at Harrisonville: Hogan Prep is seeking a third consecutive berth to the Final Four, led by speedy 2018 guard Damien Daniels. 6’6″ 2018 forward Marty Jackson can also get buckets. Versailles has an impressive inside-outside duo in 6’5″ 2018 forward Jonathan Geier and 5’11” 2020 guard Coby Williams. (Prediction: Hogan Prep).
St. Paul Lutheran (22-3) vs. Maryville (23-4) at Excelsior Springs: Maryville came through a tough field to win the District 16 championship. The Spoofhounds have a balanced team with the likes of 2020 guard Trey Oglesby and athletic 6’3″ 2019 Eli Dowis. St. Paul has a solid group featuring 2018 Jose Alecia II and 2019 Elijah Mueller. (Prediction: Maryville)