Previews and Predictions: Class 4 Sectionals
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Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 4 Sectionals, which will be held on Tuesday night with all eight games slated for a 6 p.m. tip off. Once again, here are my fearless predictions. Cape Girardeau Central (25-3)…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 4 Sectionals, which will be held on Tuesday night with all eight games slated for a 6 p.m. tip off. Once again, here are my fearless predictions.
Cape Girardeau Central (25-3) vs. Farmington (25-2) at Farmington
This is the second meeting of these two teams with Cape Central winning the first matchup 73-62 at Farmington on December 14. Cape Central advanced to the sectionals with an impressive 68-59 victory over No. 1 and previously undefeated Sikeston. It will be a battle of the Tigers’ quickness against Farmington’s size. Cape Central has speed and athleticism with 6’2″ senior Kinyon Hodges, 6’0″ senior Chauncey Hughes and 5’8″ junior Tyrus Reddin leading the way. Farmington has a strong front line with 6’5″ senior Tycen Gray, 6’8″ senior Cole Laurence and excellent shooting 6’3″ sophomore wing Brant Gray.
Prediction: Cape Girardeau Central
HIllsboro (23-4) vs. St. Mary’s (15-12) at Kirkwood
Hillsboro is making its third consecutive appearance in the state sectionals. They have a bonafide inside threat in 6’5″ senior forward Michael Brewer, who is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Hawks also have a good backcourt in 5’9″ senior sharpshooter Ben Lampkins and 5’8″ junior point guard Mark Moore. St. Mary’s is led by 5’10” senior point guard Yuri Collins, a Saint Louis U. recruit who scored 35 points in the Dragons district championship victory over Gateway STEM. Junior wing Sofara Rasas has come on strong to have a big junior season, averaging 17 points a game.
Prediction: St. Mary’s
Ladue (18-8) vs. Jennings (19-8) at Parkway West
This is a rematch of the semifinals of the Kirkwood Tournament, where Jennings won 53-45 in January. Both teams have good size and play excellent defense, which should make for a low-scoring game. Ladue is strong with its halfcourt defense while Jennings can cause problems in the full court with its length and depth. A big key for Ladue will be the health of standout junior point guard Jaylen Boyd, who sprained an ankle in last week’s district championship game against John Burroughs.He must play well for the Rams to get the victory. Inside, Ladue has 6’6″ Evan Schneider and 6’7″ football standout Moses Okpala while senior guard Bryce Bussard has been solid all season. Jennings is led by 6’3″ senior guard Elijah Hicks, who is a matchup problem with his skill set and physical strength. The Warriors have a crew of 6’5″ athletes up front who can dominate the boards while sophomore guards Demarion Shanklin and Trevon Love have offensive skills.
Prediction: Jennings.
St. Charles West (19-8) vs. Borgia (16-11) at Troy
These two programs have enjoyed a strong tradition of success over the years and this year is no exception. St. Charles West got by a talented McCluer team in the District 7 championship game. The Warriors have a very capable senior backcourt in 6’3″ Trent Champagne and 5’10” Josh Anderson. Providing size and bulk up front is 6’5″ 280-pound sophomore John Wilson. Borgia is young, but well balanced with 6’2″ junior slasher Alex Brinkman averaging 11 points to lead the Knights in scoring. 6’3″ junior Cole Weber can knock down 3-pointers while 6’8″ senior Brendan Smith provides inside scoring and rebounding. This one should go down to the wire.
Prediction: St. Charles West
Warrensburg (24-3) vs. Sullivan (22-6) at Rolla
Warrensburg continued its excellent season by defeating Helias for the District 9 championship. Warrnesburg has an excellent group of seniors that have been playing together since grade school, which makes for good team chemistry. They have a nice backcourt in 5’10” Luke Mackey and 6’0″ Payton Long while 6’6″ Luke Landwehr and 6’7″ Zack Reed hold things down up front. Sullivan posted a very solid victory over Rolla to win the District 10 championship. The Eagles have a strong backcourt in 6’0″ senior Cody McKinney, who is averaging 20 points a game, and 6’1″ senior Landon Hoffman, who averages 14 points.
Predictoin: Warrensburg
Logan-Rogersville (22-5) vs. Webb City (16-9) at Nixa
Logan-Rogersville is back in the state playoffs after advancing to the state quarterfinals last season. Senior Luke Vandersnick is a 6’5″ versatile forward who leads the team in scoring, rebounding while providing leadership. Senior forward Ryker Strong scored 18 points in Rogersville’s district championship victory. Webb City is led by athletic 6’1″ junior guard Terrell Kabala and 6’3″ sophomore forward Jaystin Smith, a strong young forward. Sophomore Gary Clinton is also a capable young player.
Prediction: Logan Rogersville.
Grandview (25-2) vs. Raytown South (19-9) at Lee’s Summit
The Grandview Bulldogs open defense of its state championship against a familiar opponent in Raytown South, who is in the same conference. The two teams met twice during the regular season with Grandview winning both games. Grandview also defeated Raytown South for the state championship last season. They have excellent guards in 5’10” senior Deandre Sorrells and 6’2″ junior Reggie Morris while 6’6″ senior Kamtu Eze leads a tall and talented backcourt for the Bulldogs. Ray South is back in the sectionals despite taking big graduation losses. The Cardinals have a very talented junior guard in Kobe Campbell and a nice athlete in junior wing Mark Cann.
Prediction: Grandview
Southeast (23-4) vs. St. Joe Lafayette (19-7) at LIberty
Southeast is a quick and athletic team with a group of versatile 6’2″ and 6’3″ guards and wings who can really play. Senior guard Martaveon Jones is a skilled performer who can shoot the 3-pointer while Andre Parks is a versatile forward. Tyreck Bradley and Doedy Patterson-deh are good on the defensive end. Lafayette has a strong senior guard in 6’2″ Ike Book, who can shoot it from 3-point range; and versatile 6’4″ junior forward Colten Griffen, who has good size on the wing. Senior Brayden Luikart can also knock down 3-pointers.
Prediction: Southeast