Previews and Predictions: Class 2 Final Four
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 2 Final Four, which will be held on Friday and Saturday at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. This year’s Final Four features a pair…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 2 Final Four, which will be held on Friday and Saturday at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. This year’s Final Four features a pair of recent state champions as well as one of the top underclassmen in the country. It should be a good one. Here is a look at the games along with my predictions.
Semifinals, Friday, March 8
Oran (29-1) vs. Van-Far (22-7), 11 a.m.
This game features the past two Class 2 state championship teams. Oran won the state title in 2017 while Van-Far won the championship last season. One of these teams will be playing for their second state title in three years. Oran has a well-balanced team, but their is a bonafide star in senior guard Jacob Shoemaker, who was a huge part of the Eagles’ state-championship team in 2017. He can really fill it up from the perimeter and he gets help from juniors Todd Priggel, Tyson Goodale and sophomore Ty Johnson. Van-Far won the state title last season with a tremendous rally over Hayti in the state finals last season. One of the key players in that title run was 6’3″ senior forward Trey Miller, who is once again a force in the post. Senior forward Caden Wilburn and junior Julian Holtkamp are also strong contributors.
Prediction: Oran
Greenwood (26-3) vs. Plattsburg (22-6), 12:50 p.m.
Greenwood advanced to the Final Four with exciting victories over Hartville and Marionville. They feature one of the nation’s top underclassmen in 6’5″ sophomore Aminu Mohammad, who has been putting up 30 points and 20 rebounds on a regular basis this season. Sophomore point guard Nathan Harper and freshman shooter Tommy Pinegar have also been impact players who have had their big moments during the postseason. Plattsburg scored an exciting one-point victory over Mid-Buchanan to punch its ticket to the Final Four. Senior guard Garrett Stephens is a physical 6’2″ guard who is difficult to match up with as he can score in the post or on the perimeter. Another versatile performer is 6’6″ junior forward Austin Stevens, who can knock down 3-pointers and rebound well.
Prediction: Greenwood
Third Place, Saturday, 11 a.m.
Van-Far over Plattsburg
Championship Game, Saturday, 2:40 p.m.
Greenwood over Oran