Friday Night Predictions
Here is a look at some of the big games going on tonight around the state and my predictions: Webster Groves at SLUH, 7 p.m. – These two nonconference rivals have waged some big-time games in the last three years,…
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Continue ReadingHere is a look at some of the big games going on tonight around the state and my predictions:
Webster Groves at SLUH, 7 p.m. – These two nonconference rivals have waged some big-time games in the last three years, including the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament in December, won by SLUH 49-48. Webster Groves now has the services of five-star 6’9″ 2018 Carte’are Gordon, who just became eligible. Gordon makes a excellent combination with 6’3″ 2018 guard Courtney Ramey. The Jr. Billikens gained the services of 6’7″ 2017 forward Brett Smith, who is back from injury. SLUH is led by 2017 guards Brandon McKissic and Anthony Hughes, (Prediction: SLUH)
Raytown at St. Joe Central, 7 p.m. – Central has emerged as one of the top teams on the West side of the state, thanks to its stellar 2017 backcourt of Matt Austin and Jaiden Bristol, who are both 1,000-point scorers and excellent all-around players. Raytown has a nice inside power game with 6’5″ 2018 Mason Fair and 6’4″ 2018 Devin Drew, plus 6’4″ 2017 wing Isaiah Burton. (Prediction: St. Joe Central).
Hazelwood Central vs. Lafayette, 8:30 p.m.- The championship of the Ameritime Tournament will be on the line at Parkway West. Top-seeded Hazelwood Central is small, but very quick and athletic. The Hawks feature 2018 guards Shaun Williams and Telly Wright. Lafayette was the No. 6 seed in the tournament, but they defeated DeSmet and Parkway South to get to the finals. The senior-laden Lancers are led by guards Adam Flinn, Kory Brubaker and Jake Messer. (Prediction: Hazelwood Central).
Republic at Father Tolton, 7 p.m. – A non-conference battle with Ozark region Republic making the trip to Mid-Missouri to take on Tolton. Republic fields a solid defensive unit that is led by its perimeter crew of 6’2″ 2017 Treydon Rackley and 6’3″ 2019 Broc Smith. Republic’s defense will be geared up to try to stop Tolton’s standout 2017 point guard Isaiah Wilson, who is averaging 24 points a game. (Prediction: Republic)
Sikeston vs. Priory, 7:15 p.m. – The championship of the Fort Zumwalt North Tournament is on the line. Defending champion Sikeston has rolled to easy victories in their first two games behind the play of 2018 SLU commit Fred Thatch, Jr. Priory is the surprise team of the tournament. The Rebels pulled off a big upset in the semifinals when they defeated Helias, who was ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 4 at the time. Priory is led by 6’6″ 2017 forward Dan Kacmarek. (Prediction: Sikeston)
St. James vs. Warrenton, 7 p.m. – The championship of the Hermann Tournament is on the line on Saturday night. Both teams advanced to the finals with thrilling overtime victories in the semifinals. St. James relies on its excellent backcourt of 2017 3-point marksman Trey Marshall and 2018 lefty Ryan Harlan. Warrenton has excellent size in 6’8″ 2018 Caleb Strauss, 6’5″ 2017 Trevor Alberternst and a well-balanced backcourt. (Prediction: Warrenton).
Advance vs. Dexter, 8:30 p.m. – The championship game of the SCAA Tournament is on the line with the top two seeds advancing. Advance can score a lot of points with his excellent guards and 6’4″ 2017 Dawson Mayo in the low post. Dexter is looking for its second tournament championship after winning the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament. (Prediction: Advance)