Class 2 Quarterfinals Previews and Predictions
The pairings are set for the Class 2 state quarterfinals, with all games being played on Saturday afternoon. The winners will advance to next weekend’s Final Four at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia. Here is a look at the matchups with our predictions:
Oran (20-6) vs. Hartville (25-5) at Three Rivers Community College, 1 p.m. – Hartville opened defense of its state title by surviving Thayer 40-37 in a defensive-minded, grind-it-out sectional contest. The Eagles got 18 points from 2017 guard Deric Jones in the victory. It was a good test for Hartville as a team that can score a lot, but also showed that it can grind its way to a postseason victory. Oran advanced with an exciting victory over Hayti in the sectionals as 2018 guard Cole Priggel scored a game-high 28 points. Oran is small, yet determined and they play hard on both ends of the floor. (Prediction: Hartivlle)
Sacred Heart (24-5) vs. Wellington-Napoleon (27-1) at Liberty, noon – A matchup of two programs that are used to winning and making deep tournament runs. Sacred Heart easily disposed of Lockwood 62-40 in the sectionals as stellar 2018 guard Trent Lyles and 6’5″ 2018 forward Colby Young each scored 20 points. The Gremlins also got 13 points from 6’5″ 2018 Micah Tanguay. The inside duo of Young and Tanguay will give the Gremlins a big size advantage against Wellington, but being small hasn’t bothered the Tigers yet as they have lost only one game this season and that was in the season opener against Lawson. Since then, the Tigers have won 27 consecutive game. Jordon Hill scored 15 points to lead the Tigers in their 50-42 sectional victory against Mid-Buchanan while 2019 guard Trey Shannon added 13 points. (Prediction: Sacred Heart)
Clopton (23-6) vs. Harrisburg (21-8) at Moberly, noon – Harrisburg advanced to Saturday’s game after eliminating nemesis Salisbury 80-70 in the sectionals. 2017 guard Brendan Gray was on fire for the Bulldogs with 33 points and five 3-pointers. Harrisburg also got 26 points from 6’4″ 2018 standout Cade Combs. When both are on their game, the Bulldogs will be tough to beat because they can score. Clopton had to scratch its way past EMO Conference rival Elsberry 43-41 in the sectionals. The Hawks do a good job in close games because they can execute down stretch. The Hawks got 13 points from 2018 guard Landon Hall and 12 points from 2017 forward Steven Talbert in the victory. It’s a battle of two solid teams with two good coaches. (Prediction: Harrisburg)
Greenwood (25-3) vs. Crane (18-10) at Drury University, 1 p.m. – This is a rematch from early December when Crane defeated Greenwood 55-50 to win the championship of the Pierce City Tournament. The stakes are much higher this time in the return game. Crane played an excellent game in blitzing Pierce City in the sectionals behind 22 points from 2017 guard Dalton Hayes. Greenwood outlasted Iberia 73-70 in the sectionals behind a brilliant 45-point performance from 2017 guard Julius Walker. Just as important to Greenwood’s victory were the 16 points from 2017 forward Tony Brandt. (Prediction: Greenwood)
(The Class 3 Quarterfinals Preview and Predictions will be posted on Saturday)