Predictions: Championship Friday Night
The holiday tournament season concludes with a host of championship games on the docket tonight. I didn’t do so hot on my championship game predictions from last night, but tonight is another night, so let’s take another shot at it.…
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Continue ReadingThe holiday tournament season concludes with a host of championship games on the docket tonight. I didn’t do so hot on my championship game predictions from last night, but tonight is another night, so let’s take another shot at it. Here we go:
Coaches vs. Cancer: SLUH vs. St. Mary’s, 8 p.m. – The top two seeds advanced to the championship game with some hard-fought victories in the semifinals. Both are pretty evenly matched, with good size, excellent defense and a go-to scorer. SLUH features UMKC signee guard Brandon McKissic while St. Mary’s goes to 6’2″ 2108 guard Tony Burks when they need a bucket. (Prediction: SLUH).
Williams Jewell Classic (Patterson Division): Park Hill vs. Raytown, 7:15 p.m. – A very tasty matchup featuring two talented teams. Undefeated Park Hill is led by 2018 combo guard Ronnie Bell and versatile 6’2″ 2017 guard Dru Smith. Raytown has a nice perimeter scoring threat in 6’3″ 2017 Isaiah Burton and good size inside. (Prediction: Park Hill).
William Jewell Classic (Nelson Division): Blue Springs vs. Lee’s Summit West, 5:30 p.m. – Top-seeded Lee’s Summit West is looking for its second tournament championship of the season. 6’8″ Bradley signee Elijah Childs is a scorer and rim protector while 6’2″ 2018 Mario Goodrich is an exciting combo guard. Blue Springs will rely on the scoring of guards Tyree King and R.J. Lawrence and 6’4″ 2018 football stud Daniel Parker in the post. (Prediction: Lee’s Summit West).
William Jewell Classic (Cardinal Division): St. Joe Central vs. North Kansas City. – St. Joe Central has been riding its outstanding senior backcourt of Matt Austin and Jaiden Bristol to an excellent season and a berth in the championship season. They knocked off a very talented Grandview team in the semifinals. North Kansas City knocked off undefeated Liberty to get to the finals. They feature junior guards Deng Bol and T.J. Babikur, who can both score. (Prediction: St. Joe Central).
Southeast Missourian: Charleston vs. Advance, 7:30 p.m. – Top seeded Charleston will meet up with Class 1 giant-killer Advance in tonight’s championship game. Charleston has pretty good overall length with 6’4″ 2018 forward Mardareyon Clark leading the way. Advance has an excellent trio of guards Armani Vermillion, Preston Weubker and 6’4″ post Dawson Mayo. (Prediction: Charleston).
Park Hills Central: Hillsboro vs. Farmington, 7:30 p.m. – A very underrated matchup between two very good Class 4 teams. Hillsboro is big and talented with 6’8″ 2018 Division I prospect Gaven Pinkley and 6’4″ 2019 Michael Brewer leading the way. Pinkley is an imposing force. Farmington is excellent with a balanced outfit, led by 6’3″ 2018 Brenton Hardy, 6’3″ 2019 workhorse Tycen Gray and 6’7 2019 Cole Laurence. (Prediction: Farmington).
Walnut Grove: Walnut Grove vs. Hermitage, 7:30 p.m. – A championship battle between two very talented small schools who are still undefeated. Hermitage as a well-balanced scoring team, but they will face their biggest challenge in the No. 1 team in Class 1 on their home court. Walnut Grove is led by excellent 22018 G Logan Thomazin. (Prediction: Walnut Grove).