Class 5 Sectional Previews and Predictions
The pairings are set for the Class 5 sectionals, which will be held on Wednesday night with all games beginning at 6 p.m., unless otherwide noted. The winners will advance to the state quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon. Several prime-time teams are still in the mix, including defending state champion Chaminade and last year’s runners-up Springfield Kickapoo. Here is a look at the matchups with our predictions.
Jackson (18-10) vs. Fort Zumwalt West (18-9) at Jefferson College – This will be Jackson’s fifth consecutive year in the sectionals as the Indians just keep rolling up district championships. They are a junior-laden team with good size and good shooters. Pete Lake, a 6’6″ 2018 forward, is a combination of both while 6’3″ 2018 Desmond Morris can shoot it and 6’7″ 2018 forward Cameron Hester can be force in the low post. Fort Zumwalt West has been a solid group throughout the season. The Panthers have an excellent athete in 2018 Division I football prospect Marquis Majors and a couple of nice perimeter threats in 6’3″ 2018 forward Josh White and 6’1″ 2018 guard Jake Hampton. (Prediction: Jackson)
Pattonville (19-7) vs. Chaminade (22-5) at Lindenwood University: The defending champs looked to be goners in their district final against rival SLUH when they trailed by 12 points entering the fourth quarter, but Chaminade outscored the Jr. Bills 30-9 in the final frame to take the district title. They were led by 6’7″ 2018 forward Jericole Hellems, who scored 29 points and came alive after a late-season slump. 2017 guard Reggie Crawford came through with some big shots, which has been his habit throughout his career. Pattonville won its first district title in 40 years with a heart-stopping victory over Hazelwood Central. The Pirates will need another big game from 5’10” 2017 point guard Destan Williams if they are going to pull off the upset. Williams is capable of such a game, as is 6’6″ Austin Peay recruit Richard Henderson, who is one of the best athletes in town. The Pirates have several other good athletes as well. Can they step up their game yet another level? (Prediction: Chaminade)
Lee’s Summit West (23-2) vs. North Kansas City (21-5) at North Kansas City, 6:30 p.m. – Lee’s Summit West continued its season-long roll in tournament play as it added a district championship to the three in-season tournaments it also won. The Titans are big, athletic and well-balanced with 6’8″ 2017 Bradley recruit Elijah Childs along with 2018 Division I prospects 6’7″ wing Elijah Childs and dynamic 6’2″ guard Mario Goodrich. North Kansas City will be a dangerous obstacle for Lee’s Summit West. The Northmen had a tremendous district tournament with double-digit wins over both Park Hill South and Raytown. That is impressive. The Northmen got 25 points from 2017 forward Deng Ding in an 80-69 victory over Raytown in the district finals. 2018 guard T.J. Babikir is also a potent scoring threat from the perimeter. (Prediction: Lee’s Summit West)
Liberty (19-6) vs. Park Hill (21-5) at Independence, 3 p.m. – Park Hill rolled to a district championship behind the all-around play of 6’2″ 2017 guard Dre Smith, who had 22 points and made six 3-pointers in the finals against Oak Park. The beauty of the Trojans’ team is that it can be a different guy each night. 2018 guard Ronnie Bell could have a big night or 6’10” 2019 forward Roman Wilson can come up big inside. They have that much talent. They must still contend with Liberty’s excellent 2018 guard Jalen Lewis, who can get buckets and knock down a bunch of 3-pointers. (Prediction: Park Hill)
Lafayette (16-11) vs. CBC (19-9) at St. Charles West: Both teams battled their share of adversity during the season as they navigated through tough schedules, but it paid off in district championships at a matchup on Wednesday night. Lafayette has a solid group of veteran perimeter players, which has served them well in close games, led by 2017 guards Adam Flinn (the driver), Kory Brubaker (the athlete) and Jake Messer (the shooter). CBC coach Justin Tatum has a young team and he has spent much of the season finding the right combination, but the one constant has been 6’5″ 2018 forward Kale Catchings, who had 24 points and 12 rebounds in the district championship win against DeSmet. The Cadets will want to keep the heat on defensively with their pressure and backcourt depth. Lafayette’s senior ball handlers will have to do the job to combat it. (Prediction: CBC)
Webster Groves (25-2) vs. Battle (12-15) at Maryville University: After a season of struggles, Battle put things together at the right time to come away with a district champions. Their reward: a date with state powerhouse Webster Groves, who has been rolling since mammoth 6’8″ 2018 forward Carte’are Gordon became eligible in late January. He teams with 2018 Louisville recruit Courtney Ramey to form a dynamic combination. But, don’t sleep on 6’1″ 2017 guard Cam Potts, who had a big game in the Statesmen’s district win over Vianney. Battle has a nice perimeter threat in 6’5″ 2018 Trae Meny, who can really stretch the defense out. Guard Daviante Ostrander is also a potent scoring threat from the perimeter.
Rock Bridge (21-4) vs. Willard (16-9) at State Fair Community College: After barely squeezing by Blue Springs South in the district semifinals, Rock Bridge exploded for a 33 point victory over Blue Springs in the championship game. Everyone knows about the Bruins’ loaded 2019 class, but 6’6″ 2017 forward Eysan Wiley was at center stage in the finals with 24 points and dominance in the paint. With Wiley inside, versatile 6’6″ 2019 Isiaih Mosley and fellow guards Dejuan Harris, Ben Cooper and Jamonta Black, the young Bruins are as dangerous as anyone. Willard is a tough-minded team with a standout post player of its own in 6’5″ 2017 Houston Johnson, who is really explosive. 2018 guards Kenny Chambers and Kobe Holloman form a quality backcourt. (Prediction: Rock Bridge)
Kickapoo (23-4) vs. Nixa (25-3) at Drury University – This will be a rematch of long-time conference rivals and the top two program in the Ozark region over the past several years. Kickapoo won the first meeting 61-57 at Nixa on January 20 in a very competitive game. Kickapoo built and early lead, but Nixa fought back and had the lead late, but Kickapoo finally pulled it out in the closing seconds. Xavier recruit Jared Ridder scored 17 points in that game for Kickapoo while Navy recruit Cam Davis added 16. Nixa got 16 points from 6’6″ 2017 forward Christian Bundy in that game. Both had to survive tough district championship games against Ozark and Republic, respectively. This should be another exciting down-to-the-wire contest. (Prediction: Kickapoo)