Previews and Predictions: Class 1 Quarterfinals
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 1 state quarterfinals, which will be held on Friday and Saturday, along with our fearless predictions. So far. my record for the Sectionals was 5-3. Risco (24-5) vs. Dora (28-1), at…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 1 state quarterfinals, which will be held on Friday and Saturday, along with our fearless predictions. So far. my record for the Sectionals was 5-3.
Risco (24-5) vs. Dora (28-1), at Van Buren, Saturday, 1 p.m.
It has been a magical postseason run for the Risco Tigers, who rallied to defeat nemesis Scott County Central on a buzzer-beater in the district championship game. They followed up with a heart-stopping one-point overtime victory over an excellent young South Iron team in the sectionals. Class of 2019 guard Nathan Burnett scored on a three-point play in the closing seconds to give Risco the win. He is winding up a stellar career with this postseason run. Senior guard EJ Myers has been excellent in the postseason as well, scoring a game-high 19 points against South Iron. The Tigers will face a Dora team that is coming off an easy 81-44 victory over Chadwick in the sectionals. After taking down defending state champion Eminence in the district finals, there was no signs of letdown for the Falcons as they put up a big number in the sectionals. Sophomore bucket-getter Isaac Haney led the way with 21 points while fellow sophomore Mason Luna added 20 points.
Prediction: Dora
Lakeland (27-2) vs. St. Elizabeth (22-5) at Bolivar, Saturday, 6 p.m.
This is a tremendous matchup with a Final Four berth on the line. Both teams posted impressive sectional victories on Wednesday. St. Elizabeth got a game high 31 points from 6’7″ junior Ross Struemph in its victory over Concordia. SE has excellent size on the front line, but a key will be how they will handle pressure from Lakeland, which caused numerous turnovers on its way to an 82-56 victory over Golden City. Sophomore forward Rafe Kalberloh scored a team-high 20 points, followed by junior Ryan Taylor’s 18 points.
Prediction: St. Elizabeth
Wellsville (13-13) vs. Linn County (14-7) at Salisbury, Saturday, 1 p.m.
A battle between two teams that recorded dramatic two-point victories in sectional play on Wednesday night. Linn County rallied from a 10-point deficit to defeat Slater 60-58 to earn its first sectional playoff victory since 1967. Guard Jase White led Linn County with 26 points while Chadley Waltz added 15 points. Wellsville’s Clayton Ebers drove the length of the floor and scored on a layup at the buzzer to send Wellsville into the state quarterfinals with a 57-55 victory. He scored a team-high 18 points in the victory. Wellsville also rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half to take the victory.
Prediction: Linn County
Winston (26-0) vs. Jefferson (25-4) at St. Joseph, Saturday, 6 p.m.
These two teams are no strangers to success in postseason play as both have very good programs and that tradition continues into Saturday’s matchup. Undefeated Winston continued its undefeated season with an impressive 19-point victory over Pattonsburg. Senior guard Cy Uthe had a big night for the Redbirds with a game-high 29 points. He forms a dynamic duo with fellow senior guard Jacob Lewis. Jefferson pulled off an impressive 61-45 victory over Mound City in the sectionals. The Eagles had lost three previous meetings to Mound City by a combined seven points, but they came through in a big way in the sectionals as 6’5″ forward Chase Farnan led a balanced scoring attack with 15 points. This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.
Prediction: Winston