Class 4 Final Four Preview and Predictions
The pairings are set for the Final Four of the Class 4 state tournament, which begins today at the Mizzou Arena on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Defending state champion Vashon is back to attempt a repeat performance along with three new challengers to their throne in Parkway Central, Kearney and Bolivar. Here is a look at the Class 4 Final Four matchups along with our predictions:
State Semifinals, Thursday, March 16
Vashon (25-3) vs. Kearney (21-7), 3:30 p.m. - The Wolverines have survived a postseason gauntlet to get back to Columbia as they defeated St. Mary's in overtime in the sectionals and Sikeston in the quarterfinals. Those two teams were also Final Four capable. Their size, depth and experience are major factors in their return. They are led by 5'11" 2017 point guard Daniel "Peanut" Farris, who makes big plays; and 6'8" 2017 power forward Levi Stockard. They lead a strong senior cast that is talented and battle tested in big games. Kearney is on an impressive run to the Final Four with victories over St. Joe Lafayette in the sectionals and Raytown South in the quarterfinals. The Bulldogs had a nice run to the Show-Me Bowl in football and are looking to equal that success on the basketball court. They are led by the talented 2017 set of twin guards Dylan and Connor Ritz, who can both shoot, pass and handle the ball. 2017 forward Anthony Pritzel has also turned in some big performances during the postseason. (Prediction: Vashon).
Parkway Central (23-8) vs. Bolivar (26-4), 5:10 p.m. - This is a battle of two solid, well coached teams that play well together. Parkway Central is on an emotional run to the Final Four. The Colts are playing for the memory of Loretta Green, the mother of 2018 standout forward Arther Green, who died of cancer during the district tournament. The 6'3" Green has been an athletic force in the paint to support 5'11" 2018 guard Deandre Campbell's 22 points a game. 2018 guard Jake Silvestri has also come on strong in the playoffs with some excellent 3-point shooting. Bolivar is back in the Final Four after a fourth-place finish in 2015. The Liberators feature an impressive inside-outside duo in 6'6" 2017 forward Brandon Emmert and 6'1" 2017 point guard Conley Garrison. Emmert, who has signed with Central Missouri, is a walking low-post scoring clinic every time he takes the floor. Garrison is a point guard who can facilitate and get buckets. He will also take the big shot, as shown by his last-second 3-pointer against Grandview that forced overtime and led to the Liberators' victory in the state quarterfinals. This should be a tight one. (Prediction: Parkway Central)
Third Place Game: (Friday, March 17, 11 a.m.) - Bolivar defeats Kearney to take home the third-place trophy.
Championship Game: (Saturday, March 18, 2:40 p.m.): Vashon defeats Parkway Central to repeat as state champions
