Preview: Class 5 Teams to Watch
Here is a look at some of the top Class 5 teams in the Show-Me State:
Rock Bridge: Loaded Bruins squad is led by the terrific 2019 trio of Isiaih Mosley, Dajuan Harris and Jamonta Black. Rock Bridge finished third in the state tournament a year ago.
Chaminade: The 2018 state runners-up return an excellent corps, led by 6’1″ 2019 guard Keyyaun Batchman, 6’6″ 2020 guard Luke Kasubke and 6’4″ 2020 wing Harrison Vickers.
Rockhurst: The Hawklets return an experienced cast with 2019 forwards Darrius Hughes, Dillon Ridgnal and AJ White along with guards Glenn McClintock and Tyler Nelson.
Webster Groves: Defending state champions will still be good with the return of 2019 guards Ray Adams and Amorey Womack and 2019 forwards Steven Wright and Malachy Simpson. Transfer guard Joseph Jones is a big addition.
Park Hill South: The Panthers return a tremendous backcourt that has been together for four seasons in 2019s Lamel Robinson and Desi Williams.
CBC: The Cadets return talented 2020 guard Caleb Love to lead the way along with 6’6″ 2019 forward Josh Wallace and 6’4″ 2019 wing Ari Parker.
Parkview: After advancing to the state quarterfinals last season, Parkview returns a strong cast led by 6’6″ 2019 forward Tyem Freeman and 6’2″ 2020 guard Dontae Taylor.
Mehlville: The Panthers should be a major factor this season with three Division I 2020 prospects in 6’5″ guard Dylan Branson, 6’7″ forward Lamontay Daugherty and 7’0″ center Davion Bradford.
Fort Zumwalt South: The Bulldogs advanced to the state quarterfinals last season and they return 6’4″ 2019 shooting guard EJ Bellinger, 6’5″ 2020 forward J.J. Schwepker and 6’6″ 2021 forward Connor Bekebrede.
Lee’s Summit North: The Broncos will build around its talented 2019 backcourt in 5’10” Javaunte Hawkins and 5’11” Mikel Henderson.
Francis Howell: The Vikings should be strong with several key players back from a 24-win team, including 5’7″ 2019 point guard Daylan Dalton, 6’5″ 2020 forward Matt Schark, 6’9″ 2021 forward Sam Thompson and 6’4″ 2019 guard Patrick Schulte.
DeSmet: The Spartans are young and very talented. They have a young set of 2021 twin towers in 6’9″ Yaya Keita and 6’10” Aladji Gassama, along with 2021 guard Jeremiah Walker and 6’4″ 2020 forward Michael Skoff.
Poplar Bluff: The Mules won a district title last season and they return bullish 6’3″ 2019 forward Dominique Hardimon, 2021 point guard Jo Jo Hardimon and 2019 shooters Tyler Cline and Xander Martin.
Joplin: The Eagles are on the rise after winning a district title last season with the return of 2020 standouts Evan Guillory, Isaiah Davis and Zach Westmoreland.
Willard: After winning a district title a year ago, Willard returns a talented 2020 duo is 6’5″ forward Daniel Abreu and 6’2″ guard Maurice Grayer.
North Kansas City: The Hornets have a pair of excellent scoring threats in 6’4″ 2019 guard Eric Slack and 6’2″ 2020 guard D’Anthony Pennington. Both are real bucket-getters.
Marquette: The Mustangs return an excellent 2019 forward in 6’4″ Jason Montgomery, who will team with emerging 2021 point guard Ilyaas Harris and 2019 transfer Jalen White to form a talented trio.
McCluer North: The Stars are very athletic and inexperience with the return of dynamic 2019 wings A’Tavian Butler and Patrick Evans, along with 2019 point guard Mekai Ray.
Also watch out for programs such as Republich, Parkway South, Waynesville, Troy, Park Hill and Lee’s Summit West.