Previews and Predictions: Class 5 Quarterfinals
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 5 state quarterfinals, with all four games being held on Saturday. Here is a look at those four matchups along with my fearless predictions: Mehlville (23-7) vs. CBC (22-7) at Lindenwood…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 5 state quarterfinals, with all four games being held on Saturday. Here is a look at those four matchups along with my fearless predictions:
Mehlville (23-7) vs. CBC (22-7) at Lindenwood University, 6 p.m.
The CBC Cadets have been on a roll during the postseason as they have won every game by solid double-digit margins. Senior guard Ari Jackson scored 17 points in their 62-30 victory over Mehlville in the sectionals. Junior guard Caleb Love scored 16 points to add to the balanced attack. The key to the Cadets success has been their pressure defense, which has kept opposing teams out of synch throughout the postseason. Mehlville is making its first appearance in the state tournament in more than two decades. They have a bonafide big in 7’0″ junior Davion Bradford, who started his career at CBC two years a go. Junior guard Dylan Branson will be in charge of handling the ball against CBC’s pressure while 6’7″ junior Lamontay Daugherty has the ability to have a big game.
Prediction: CBC
McCluer North (26-3) vs. Francis Howell (27-2) at Lindenwood, 1 p.m.
The two teams met in December with McCluer North defeating Howell in the championship game of the Troy Tournament. In that game, Howell was without key players Patrick Schulte and Matt Simmons, who are excellent defenders. Howell is looking for its first ever trip to the Final Four. The Vikings have excellent size and balance. Junior forward Matt Schark scored 34 points in a sectional victory over Battle. Senior point guard Daylan Dalton is a four-year stud at point guard while 6’9″ sophomore Sam Thompson can score inside. McCluer North has experienced a great turnaround after winning just 11 games last season. The Stars are small, but they are athletic and ferocious. The duo of 6’2″ A’Tavian Butler and 6’3″ Patrick Evans play big while senior Mekai Ray is a strong point guard. The key to the Stars is the perimeter shooting of senior Aaron Daniels and Steve Lee.
Prediction: McCluer North (My hardest call to make. Howell is a tremendous team, but I’m a McCluer North graduate and that’s where my heart is).
Rock Bridge (22-3) vs. Kickapoo (22-4) at Southwest Baptist, 1 p.m.
Rock Bridge finished third in the state tournament last season and they are one step away from a return trip to Columbia. The Bruins have steamrolled their way to the quarterfinals with victories over Raymore-Peculiar and Camdenton. The Big 3 of Isiaih Mosley, Jamonta Black and Dajuan Harris are tough to handle and they have been together for their entire careers. Kickapoo has one of the state’s top underclassmen in 6’2″ sophomore point guard Anton Brookshire. Watching Brookshire going up against Harris of Rock Bridge will be worth the price of admission. He scored 18 points in the Chiefs victory over Republic in the sectionals while forward David Senn added 14 points.
Prediction: Rock Bridge
Lee’s Summit North (25-3) vs. William Chrisman (22-8) at Independence, 1 p.m.
The two remaining Kansas City entrants in the state tournament had an excellent first meeting back at the beginning of the season with Lee’s Summit North pulling out a thrilling 74-73 victory. A berth in the Final Four is on the line in the rematch. Lee’s Summit North outlasted Blue Springs South 69-67 in the sectionals as senior guards Javaunte Hawkins and Mikel Henderson each scored 27 points. They are one of the top backcourts in the state. Seniors Elijah Smith and track and field star Devon Richardson are a pair of athletic wing players. William Chrisman is a gritty team that has advanced to the quarterfinals with a stout defense. Senior forward Dawson Herl can get it done in a variety of ways while senior guard Kelvyn Mason scored 21 points in the Bears’ sectional victory over Park Hill South. Juniors Isaiah Williams, Marcus Wigfal and Zachariah Rowe are also key components. This has all the makings of another exciting, close game.
Prediction: Lee’s Summit North