Friday Night Predictions (Jan. 26)
Here is a look at some of the big games of the weekend around the state.
Rolla at Joplin, 7 p.m. – A battle of excellent teams in the Southwest part of the state. Rolla is enjoying a 17-1 season behind the play of talented 6’4″ 2018 guard Josh Pritchett. Joplin (14-2) features one of the top 2020 performers in the state in 6’2″ guard Evan Guillory. (Prediction: Rolla).
Hogan Prep at Rock Bridge, 7 p.m. -Undefeated Rock Bridge looks to continue its magical season against a quick and dangerous Hogan Prep team. Rock Bridge is led by its three-headed 2019 monster of Isiaih Mosley, Dajuan Harris and Jamonta Black while Hogan Prep is led by speedy 2018 guard Damien Daniels. Both teams are coming off of winning championships in KC last weekend. (Prediction: Rock Bridge).
Hazelwood Central vs. Wentzville Libery, 8:30 p.m. – This is the championship game of the Ameritime Tournament. Both took different routes to the finals. Hazelwood Central dominated their two opponents while Liberty won both of its games by one point. Central has a swarm of good athletes while Liberty is led by the Catchings brothers, Kale and Jayce. (Prediction: Hazelwood Central).
Sacred Heart vs. Jamestown, Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – The championship game of the Slater Tournament features the No. 1 Class 2 team in Sacred Heart against the No. 3 team in Class 1 in Jamestown. Sacred Heart has a talented point guard in 2018 Trent Lyles and good size in 2018s Micah Tanguay and Colby Young. Jamestown has a strong 6’5″ 2018 forward in Trenton Barbour and a good guard in Garrett Wolfe. (Prediction: Sacred Heart).
Raytown South at Grandview, 7:30 p.m. – A showdown between two prime Class 4 contenders in Kansas City tonight. Grandview is coming off an impressive championship performance at the Shawnee Mission Tournament last week while Ray South was the runner-up at the Culver’s Classic. (Prediction: Grandview).
Pacific at Eureka, 7 p.m. – This is a battle of schools in neighboring towns that haven’t faced each other in 16 years. Pacific is having a strong season, led by 6’4″ 2018 guard Cameron Van Leer. Host Eureka has a strong 1-2 punch in 6’4″ 2019 guard Avery Taggert and 6’5″ 2018 forward Zach Summers. (Prediction: Eureka).
Dexter vs. Bernie, 8:30 p.m. – This is the championship game of the SCAA Tournament. Dexter has been solid all-season with a Bloomfield Tournament championship under its belt. Bernie advanced with an upset victory over Advance in the semifinals. They are led by high-scoring 2018 guard Nate Dillinger. (Prediction: Dexter)
Eugene vs. Marquette, 7:30 p.m. – This is the first of two semifinals of the Eldon Tournament features a solid Class 5 Marquette team against Eugene, which is one of the state’s top Class 2 teams. Marquette is led by 6’4″ 2019 forward Jason Montgomery, who is an impressive offensive player. Eugene features a balanced group of players with good shooters and solid inside players. (Prediction: Marquette).