Review: Class 1 Final Four Standouts
In a game featuring the top two teams in the state, Eminence defeated Walnut Grove 79-72 to win the Class 1 state championship in Springfield. The Redwings had a 67-50 lead in the fourth quarter, only to see the defending champions storm back to tie the game at 72-72 with three minutes to play. An Ethan Drake 3-pointer with 1 minute and 35 seconds left to play gave Eminence the lead back at 75-72 and they never trailed again as they took home the state championship.
Here is a look at the Prep Hoops Missouri Class 1 All-Final Four Team
Most Outstanding Player
Trent McBride 6’6″ Eminence: The 2019 post player was the game-changing player for the Redwings in their march to the state championship. He had 15 points and 13 rebounds in a victory over Chamois in the state semifinals, then followed up with 23 points and 12 rebounds against Walnut Grove in the state championship game. His ability to score, rebound and pass the ball were on full display as he dominated at both ends. And the bad news for the rest of Class 1 teams; McBride will be back for one more season.
Next Five
Logan Thomazin 6’2″ Walnut Grove – The standout 2018 guard wrapped out a stellar four-year career with 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals in the championship game. In the semifinals against North Andrew, Thomazin had 22 points and five assists, including the game-winner in the closing seconds in a 51-50 victory over the undefeated Cardinals.
Grant Dyer 6’1″ Eminence – The 2019 guard had 25 points and nine rebounds in the championship game against Walnut Grove. He also added 10 points and nine rebounds in the semifinals against Chamois. Dyer is an athletic wing player who can get buckets in transition and from the perimeter.
Aaron Brandt 6’5″ Chamois – The 2018 post player ended his career with a stellar performance of 39 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to North Andrew in the third place game. He also had eight points and 14 rebounds in a loss to Eminence in the semifinals. Brandt finished his career with more than 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds and a Final Four appearance.
Ryan Hughes 5’6″ North Andrew – The 2018 point guard had a team-high 16 points and two assists in the one-point loss to Walnut Grove in the semifinals. He came back to score 16 points and hand out seven assists in a victory over Chamois in the third-place game.
Ethan Drake 6’2″ Eminence: The 2018 guard had 14 points and six rebounds, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute of the Redwings’ victory over Walnut Grove in the state-championship game. He also added nine points in the semifinals against Chamois.