Previews and Predictions: Class 2 Sectionals

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 2 Sectional playoffs, with all eight games being held on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.   Portageville (21-6) vs. Thayer (24-5), at Sikeston   Both programs have a rich tradition of post-season success with Thayer's being more recent. Portageville is back in the postseason mix after a solid victory over Bernie in the Class 1 district championship game. They are led by 6'1" 2010 guard Bub Lance and 2020s A.J. Hicks and Terry Kirkwood. Thayer is in the sectionals for the seventh consecutive year. They play stout defense and have a stellar post player in 6'5" 2019 forward Ayden Stone. There are good complimentary players in tow in 6'5" 2019 forward Dylan Spencer and 6'2" 2019 guard Dylan Spencer. (Prediction: Thayer)     Oran (27-1) vs. Valle (16-12) at Jackson   The Oran Eagles are looking to make another deep postseason run after winning the state title in 2017 and advancing to the sectionals last season. They are led by stellar 2019 guard Jacob Shoemaker, who is a four-year starter. Forward Tyson Goodale scored 33 points in the district finals against Oak Ridge. Valle used a strong defensive effort to defeat Brentwood 36-35 to win its district. They are paced by guards Ryan Grein and 6'2" 2021 forward Carter Hoog. (Prediction: Oran).     Van-Far (20-7) vs. Milan (26-0) at Hannibal   One of the most intriguing matchups of the evening. Van-Far won the Class 2 state title last season and one of their big victories along the way was a stunning late comeback to defeat Milan in the state quarterfinals. The rematch is set once again, only this year it's in the sectional round. Van-Far is led by 6'2" 2019 forward Trey Miller, who averages 13 points a game. He took over the state championship game late last year. 6'2" 2019 forward Caden Wilburn averages 11 points a game. Milan is currently 26-0 and spent some time ranked No. 1 in the state during the season. They are led by 6'5" 2020 forward Ryan Dabney, who is averaging 15 points a game, and 6'3" 2019 forward Hunter Shaw, who averages 14.5 points. This should be a good one. (Prediction: Milan).     Northeast (Cairo) (19-7) vs. Iberia (20-7) at Jefferson City   Northeast Cairo was impressive in winning its district championship game against Harrisburg as 2019 guard Alex Zike scored 36 points and knocked down eight 3-pointers on the evening. 6'5" 2020 forward Jacob Davis added 15 points while 2022 guard Gage Wilson scored 13 points. Iberia is no stranger to winning district championships and earning state tournament berths. The Rangers are led by 2019 Garrett Ray and 2020 guard Zack Voss, who are both All-Conference players. 2019 forward Jesse Routh had a double-double in the district championship game. (Prediction: Iberia).     Hartville (22-5) vs. Greenwood (25-3) at Mountain Grove   Another very intriguing matchup in the sectional round. Hartville is young, but they have put together a long string of district championships and state playoff appearances. They have a talented group of 2021s in guards Ryce Piper, Braden Branstetter and forward Eli Cook. They will face a Greenwood team that features one of the top talents in the state in 6'5" 2021 guard Animu Mohammad, who has been putting up some unbelievable numbers this season. He routinely gets more than 30 points and close to 20 rebounds a night. So impressive. 2021 point guard Grant Harper and 2021 shooting guard Tommy Pinegar provide good support. (Prediction: Greenwood)     Marionville (21-7) vs. Liberal (17-11) at Carthage   Both teams put in solid work in winning their respective districts. Marionville is led by Gavin Stanton, who scored 27 points in his team's district championship victory. Josh Goodman and Dominick Clevenger are also key players. Liberal won its second consecutive district title, this year doing it as a No. 4 seed. They have a solid group of players, led by 2019s Weston Sprenkle, Colby Selvy and 2020 Colton Shiker. (Prediction: Marionville).       Skyline (19-8) vs. New Franklin (20-9) at Sedalia   Skyline is a fairly young team that came through with a big win in the districts against No. 1 seed and previously undefeated Adrian. They are small and quick with the trio of Dax Beem, Gage Gunter and Chris Logan. New Franklin is led by 2020 forward Gavin Bishop, who has been strong down the stretch, along with 2019 forward Kolby Anson and 2020 point guard Tyler Perkins. (Prediction: Skyline).       Plattsburg (16-12) vs. Mid-Buchanan (16-12) at Staley   Plattsburg features an impressive dynamic duo is versatile 6'6" 2020 forward Austin Stevens and strong 6'2" 2019 guard Garrett Stephens. Both are tough to stop when they are on their games. Mid-Buchanan pulled off a huge win in districts when they toppled No. 1 seed East Buchanan. The Dragons have a strong postseason tradition. They are led by 6'3" 2020 forward Christian Scaggs, who can do a little bit of everything. Guard Miguel Canhala can get buckets while 2021 point guard Javan Noyes can pass the rock. (Prediction: Mid-Buchanan).