Previews and Predictions: Class 3 Quarterfinals
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 3 state quarterfinals, which will be held today. The winner of today’s four games will earn berths in the Final Four of the state tournament next weekend in Springfield at MIssouri…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 3 state quarterfinals, which will be held today. The winner of today’s four games will earn berths in the Final Four of the state tournament next weekend in Springfield at MIssouri State University.
Charleston (19-10) vs. St. James (18-11) at Farmington, 1 p.m.
After losing a potent group of seniors from last year’s state runner-up team, Charleston is back in the mix with another chance to get to the Final Four. The Bluejays had little trouble in defeating Mountain Grove 71-40 in the sectionals on Wednesday. Junior sharpshooter Samuel Bledsoe led the Bluejays with 16 points while Terridean Bogan added 11 points as Charleston spread out the scoring. They get it done with its quickness and pressure defense. St. James advanced with a impressive victory over Jefferson 52-37. Junior guard Andrew Branson continued his excellent roll this season by scoring a game-high 31 points. He is a potent scorer who can get buckets in a variety of ways. St. James will need an excellent all around effort in support of Branson to defeat Charleston and its postseason tradition of success.
Prediction: Charleston
Vashon (23-5) vs. Trinity (25-3) at Normandy, noon
This is a battle of two of the top teams in the state, regardless to class, meeting in a Class 3 state quarterfinals. It is a rematch of an instant classic played three weeks ago at Vashon when the Wolverines edged Trinity 62-61 on a pair of free throws from junior guard Phillip Russell. The 6’0″ Russell has been playing lights out in the postseason to support standout teammates 6’2″ Mario McKinney, 6’7″ Cam’Ron Fletcher and 6’6″ Kobe Clark. In the first meeting, Trinity got 26 points from 6’0″ junior guard Rashad Weekly, who was sensational. The Titans have a potent rim-protector in 7’0″ junior Ryan Kalkbrenner, a scorer in 6’5″ senior Jaron Thames and plenty of depth. The key to the Vashon’s first victory was their dominance on the offensive glass. This should be another good one at historic Viking Hall at Normandy High.
Prediction: Vashon
Blair Oaks (24-5) vs. Springfield Catholic (27-3) at Southwest Baptist University, noon
This is a great matchup of two teams that are definitely Final Four worthy, but only one can advance to Springfield. Blair Oaks followed up its tremendous district championship victory over Father Tolton with an impressive victory over Versailles in the sectionals. Senior guard Trent Martin led the Falcons with 20 points while 6’8″ junior Eric Northweather added 18 points and 11 rebounds. They form and excellent inside-outside combination with 6’6″ Dru Rackers providing more size. The Falcons will need another strong defensive effort to contain Catholic’s 6’2″ senior standout Jake Branham, who averages 19 points a game. The Fighting Irish are tough on the perimeter with seniors Charlie O’Reilly and Michael Manzardo forming a strong trio with Branham. This will be a good one.
Prediction: Springfield Catholic
St. Paul Lutheran (26-1) vs. St. Michael (17-12) at Lee’s Summit, 1 p.m.
St. Paul Lutheran has quietly put together a strong season with 26 consecutive victories after dropping its opening game, including a 46-42 victory over Monroe City in the sectionals. The Saints have a well-balanced team with multiple scorers in 6’1″ senior guard Elijah Muehler, senior forward Dobrivoj Andrejic and junior guard Dominic Alicea. St. Paul will face a St. Michael team that pulled off an improbable rally to defeat Maryville 69-59 in the sectionals. St. Michael trailed by 20 points in the first half, but stormed back to win the game in a unbelievable 30-point swing. The Guardians unleashed its pressure defense in the second half to shock the Spoofhounds. They feature one of the top juniors in the Kansas City area in 6’4″ guard Ben Palacios, who is versatile and can get buckets.
Prediction: St. Paul Lutheran