Scouting and predicting C5 D10 tournament
District preview: Class 5 District 10 at Lebanon High School The state’s only four-team district features just one team with a winning record. Although Jefferson City is likely the favorite due in large part to being the only team sporting…
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Continue ReadingDistrict preview: Class 5 District 10
at Lebanon High School
The state’s only four-team district features just one team with a winning record. Although Jefferson City is likely the favorite due in large part to being the only team sporting a winning record, this district is without a doubt up for gabs.
Scouting the teams
(1) Jefferson City (16-8)
Team has had a solid season, but can be beat. The ‘Jays have some size, a good point guard in 2017 Kamari Balton and a nice wing player who can do a little bit of everything in 2017 Gunnar See. The ‘Jays are a very fundamentally sound ball club that has played a tough schedule. They might be the favorite here, but it’s not by much.
(2) Waynesville Tigers (12-12)
Have had a solid season after the loss of Indiana freshman big man Juwan Morgan. The Tigers have played several high-level teams close this season and have a trio of talented senior guards. The key may be how well they shoot the ball, as they really rely a lot on the 3-pointer, and what kind of contributions they get from the surrounding players. Look for senior guards Joe Johnson, Dwyane Morton and Reggie Walker though.
(3) Camdenton Lakers (12-14)
Few teams shoot more 3-pointers than the Lakers throughout the season, and the Lakers have a handful of quality wins and competitive games. Facing Waynesville will be a tough challenge and the Lakers will have to have a good game behind the arc to have a chance. Look for 2017 Dyllan Decker to have a good run. He has some size and athletic ability and will need to play well for the Lakers to advance.
(4) Lebanon Yellowjackets (5-19)
Team has really struggled this season, but will be playing on their home floor, and have played some opponents tough, including Jeff City, who the ‘Jackets led by six at the half last Tuesday. Lebanon has led numerous opponents at the half this season, and if they shoot the ball well and put together a pair of halves, they could pull an upset here. Lebanon posted a much-needed win over Parkview on Friday, its first win since mid-January and will next play Camdenton prior to the district tournament. A win could give the team some much-needed confidence.
Players to watch
Kamari Balton, 6-1, 2017, PG, Jefferson City
Gunnar See, 6-5, 2017, F, Jefferson City
Dyllan Decker, 6-3, 2017, Camdenton
Jack Ehrhardt, 6-0, 2017, G, Lebanon
Dwayne Morton, 6-0, 2016, Waynesville (right)
Joe Johnson, 5-11, 2016, Waynesville
Reggie Walker, 5-9, 2016, Waynesville
Our picks
Semifinals
(1) Jefferson City vs. (4) Lebanon
Yes, we are calling the upset here. Jefferson City is probably the better team, but Lebanon is riding high after a pair of big wins. Our pick Lebanon
(2) Waynesville vs. (3) Camdenton
The Lakers struggle to keep teams in front of them defensively and the Tigers are just a tough match-up. Camdenton will need a big game shooting the ball from the perimeter, but we see Waynesville having too much firepower. Our pick Waynesville
Championship
(2) Waynesville vs. (4) Lebanon
Two Ozark Conference rivals squaring off for the title, in the past this matchup has always gone to Waynesville, but we’re predicting Lebanon to keep it rolling here. Our pick Lebanon