Preview: Class 3 Teams to Watch
The big news in Class 3 is that the Vashon Wolverines have been moved into the equation after playing in Class 4, where they won back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017 as well as a district championship last season. The Wolverines feature one of the most talented teams in the Midwest region.
Here is a look at teams to watch in Class 3:
Top Team: Vashon: The powerful Wolverines are led by dynamic Mizzou signee Mario McKinney and the talented 2020 trio of Cam’Ron Fletcher, Phillip Russell, Kobe Clark and many, many more.
Blair Oaks: The perennial football powerhouse will field another strong basketball team led by 6’8″ 2020 forward Eric Northweather.
Cardinal Ritter: New coach Ryan Johnson has a talented group led by 5’10” Drury University signee Malek Davis, excellent 2021 forward Mario Tillman and talented 2022 guard Luther Burden III.
Charleston: The Blue Jays were Class 3 state runners-up last season. They will rebuild around 2021 guard Latrell Porter and 6’2″ 2020 shooting guard Samuel Bledsoe.
Christian-O’Fallon: The Eagles were state quarterfinalists a year ago with several young players, including 2021 guards Sharrod Alexander and Kalin Black and 2022 guards Kristian Davis and Raynard Horry.
East Prairie: The Eagles return one of the top point guards in Southeast Missouri in 2019 Derez Tipler, who returns to lead a solid nucleus.
Fair Grove: The Eagles won 17 games last season and return a strong group, led by 6’5″ 2020 forward David Oplotnik and 6’5″ 2020 forward Cole Gilpin.
Father Tolton: The Trailblazers are ready for another strong season with the return of seasoned players such as 6’2″ 2019 Beau Washer and 6’4″ 2020 Coban Porter. Watch out for 6’7″ 2022 Jevon Porter, who joins the mix.
Hancock: The Tigers should be strong again after playing for a district championship a year ago. They return their top player in 6’5″ 2020 forward Sam Richardson.
Hogan Prep: The defending state champions graduated an excellent group of players, but they will retool around the talents of 6’1″ 2019 guard Shamarr Wright-Thompson.
Lift for Life: The Eagles are steadily building a strong program around the talents of 2021 guards Rico Singleton, Demarcus Sanford, Jr. and 2020 guard Justin Turner.
Maryville: The Spoofhouds will be one of the top teams in Northwest Missouri with the return of 6’2″ athletic 2019 guard Eli Dowis and 6’2″ 2020 guard Tate Oglesby.
Monroe City: The Panthers have won back to back district championships and they return a solid group, led by high scoring 6’3″ 2019 guard CE Talton.
Mountain Grove: The Panthers lose some excellent players to graduation from back-to-back Final Four teams, so they will build around 6’6″ 2019 Dylan Massey.
New Madrid Central: The Eagles return a solid guard in athletic 2019 Johnnie Walker and and a up and coming 6’6″ post player in 2021 Donnie Brown, Jr.
Soldan: The Tigers move down to Class 3 with a talented nucleus returning, which includes senior 2019 twin guards Jesse and James Little, 6’5″ 2019 forward Tyon Hughes and 6’6″ 2020 forward Elijah Bishop.
Southern Boone: The Eagles will be strong again with the return of 6’3″ 2019 guard Sam Stichnote along with 6’0″ 2020 guard Rece Gilmore and 2020 guard Brady Trammell.
Springfield Catholic: The Fighting Irish are primed for a big season with the return of top player 6’2″ 2019 guard Jake Branham along with 6’2″ 2019 guard Michael Manzardo and 6’2″ 2019 guard Charlie O’Reilly.
Strafford: The Indians return 6’3″ 2019 All-State performer Riley Oberbeck along with Dillon Hester and Trayson Lawler.
Trinity: The Titans are loaded with the return of 6’6″ 2019 JaRon Thames, 6’11” 2020 Ryan Kalkbrenner, 6’0″ 2020 guard Rashad McDaniels and football standouts Marcus Washington and Isaiah Williams.
Whitfield: The Warriors graduated do-it-all guard Torrence Watson, but they return some solid performers in 6’4″ 2019 forward Luther Taylor, 6’2″ 2021 guard Eddie Simon and 6’5″ 2019 Dimitri