Class 2 Final Four Preview and Predictions
The Final Four of the Class 2 state tournament will begin on Thursday at the Mizzou Arena on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Here is a look at the two four teams and our predictions:
State Semifinals (Thursday, March 9)
Oran (21-8) vs. Sacred Heart (25-5), 3:20 p.m. – A small, yet determined Oran team has battled its way to the Final Four with some huge victories, including a quarterfinals victory over defending state-champion Hartville. The Eagles are led by Max Priggel, Cole Priggel and 2019 standout Jacob Shoemaker. Sacred Heart is back in the Final Four after winning it all in 2014. 2018 standout point guard Trent Lyles runs the team with his scoring and passing. (Prediction: Sacred Heart)
Harrisburg (22-8) vs. Crane (19-10), 5 p.m. – Both teams advanced to state with thrilling one-point victories in the state quarterfinals. Harrisburg defeated Clopton on a last-second layup by 2018 standout guard Cade Combs. Crane defeated Greenwood 49-48 as standout 2017 guard sank a pair of free throws with 18 seconds left. Expect a nip and tuck game in this one that will go down to the wire. Both teams have won state championships in their recent past. (Prediction: Harrisburg)
Third-place game (Friday, March 10), 6 a.m. – Crane defeats Oran to take third place.
Championship Game (Saturday, March 11), 6:20 p.m. – In an exciting game, Sacred Heart defeats Harrisburg for the state championship.
Players to Watch
2017
Brendan Gray 5’11” Harrisburg
Dalton Hayes 5’10” Dalton Hayes
Max Priggel 6’0″ Oran
2018
Cade Combs 6’4″ Harrisburg
Trent Lyles 6’0″ Sacred Heart
Colton Elder 5’11” Crane
Cole Priggel 5’10” Oran
Colby Young 6’5″ Sacred Heart
Micah Tanguay 6’5″ Sacred Heart
Wyatt Vaught 5’5″ Crane
Colby Karl 5’8″ Harrisburg
2019
Jacob Shoemaker 5’9″ Oran