Previews and Predictions: Class 5 Final Four
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Final Four of the Class 5 state tournament, which will be held this weekend at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. Here is a look at…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Final Four of the Class 5 state tournament, which will be held this weekend at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. Here is a look at the matchups and my fearless predictions.
Friday, March 15 (Semifinals)
CBC (23-7) vs. Francis Howell (28-2), 3:30 p.m.
CBC is making its first Final Four appearance since 2014, when they won the state title in an overtime thriller of Columbia Hickman. The Cadets have been on an impressive run in the postseason, winning all of its games by double digits, and quite easily. Junior guard Caleb Love was sensational in scoring 30 points in the Cadets’ victory over Mehlville in the quarterfinals. Fellow seniors Josh Wallace and Ari Jackson have been excellent in the postseason while the team’s overall defense has been excellent.
Francis Howell is making its first appearance in the Final Four and it is a tremendous team that finally made history at the school. The Vikings are a well-balanced team that has had a different leading scorer in each of their postseason victories. Senior guard Patrick Schulte came to the forefront as he scored 22 points in the victory over McCluer North in the quarterfinals. Junior forward Matt Schark was the top scorer in the sectionals while senior point guard Daylan Dalton was the top guy in the district championship game. Dalton’s ability to get the Vikings into consistent offense against CBC’s defense will be a big key to this game as is the ability of Matt Simmons or Schulte to slow down CBC’s Love on the defensive end. It should be a good one.
Prediction: CBC
Rock Bridge (23-3) vs. Lee’s Summit North (28-3), 5:15 p.m.
Rock Bridge is making a return trip to the Final Four after finishing third in the state tournament a year ago. The Bruins’ Big 3 of Isiaih Mosley, Dajuan Harris and Jamonte Black combined for 28 points in the Bruins 77-57 victory over Kickapoo in the state quarterfinal. Mosley scored a game high 29 points while Harris had 20 points, six assists and seven steals. Rock Bridge is highly motivated after losing an 18-point lead in the state semifinals against Chaminade last season. They want to complete the job this season.
Lee’s Summit North made it to the Final Four in 2011 behind a big and talented front line.The Broncos are back in the Final Four once again, but this time, they have a talented pair of guards driving the bus in seniors Javaunte Hawkins and Mikel Henderson. The talented 5’10” Hawkins is averaging 27 points a game as one of the top bucket-getters in the state. The 5’10” Henderson can score and play stellar defense as well. Senior athletes Devon Richardson and Elijah Smith and 6’5″ senior Tommy Irwin form a very solid supporting cast.
The key to the Broncos chances on Friday are to keep the game close until the closing minutes as they have displayed the ability to win close games in the postseason. It’s easier said than done because Rock Bridge has been dominating in the postseason.
Prediction: Rock Bridge
Saturday, March 16
Third Place, 11 a.m.
Francis Howell over Lee’s Summit North
Championship Game, 2:30 p.m.
Rock Bridge over CBC