Preview: Class 2 Final Four (Predictions)

Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 2 Final Four, which will be held this weekend at the JQH Arena, on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. Here is a look at the four teams in the Final Four along with our fearless predictions:

Friday, March 13 (Semifinals)

Oran (26-5) vs. Skyline (29-2), 6:20 p.m. –  Oran is making its third Final Four appearance in the past four years. The Eagles won the state title in 2017 and lost a one-point heartbreaker to Greenwood in last year’s state finals. They are bringing another strong and determined team back to state, led by 6’1″ 2020s Tyson Goodale and Todd Priggel. A trio of juniors who have been consistent this season are Ty Johnson, Landon Scheeter and Cooper Priggel.

Skyline is making its first Final Four appearance in 25 years and this is a good team to break that string. They came close last year in advancing to the state quarterfinals. Skyline is led by 5’9″ 2020 guard Dax Beem, an all-stater who is a dynamic performer. He gets excellent support from a strong group of underclassmen, including his 5’9″ 2022 brother Lawson Beem and 6’3″ 2022 Jaytin DeFreece. There is more size up front in 6’4″ 2020 Ethan Edwards.

Expect a close game here between two teams that are very aggressive. (Prediction: Skyline)

Milan (25-3) vs. Hartville (29-2), 8:10 p.m. – Hartville advanced to the Final Four after its epic 49-47 victory over Greenville in a clash of the titans in the quarterfinals last week. The Eagles have also won the Blue&Gold Tournament in Springfield in December and hold a win over Class 1 power Dora this season. They are led by a talented group of 2021s, including 6’2″ Recko Bailey Recko Bailey 5'10" | PG Vashon | 2021 State MO , 6’2″ Braden Branstetter and 6’1″ Preston Fortner Preston Fortner 5'10" | PG Francis Howell | 2021 State MO and Cody Mahan.

Milan had an epic performance of its own in the quarterfinals as it rallied from a 22-point deficit to stun Eugene 71-65 to advance to the Final Four. Milan features size and athleticism and the ability to pressure the ball with its zone traps. They have a dynamic pair of forwards in 6’4″ 2020 Hunter Shaw Hunter Shaw 6'4" | SF Milan | 2020 State MO and 6’5″ 2020 Ryan Dabney Ryan Dabney 6'5" | PF Milan | 2020 State MO , who combine to average 30 points a game. Eddie Gonzalez is a 6’1″ 2020 who can shoot from the perimeter while 5’9″ 2021 Dominic Dabney is a tough point guard.

(Prediction: Hartville)

Friday, March 14

Third Place Game, 12:50 p.m. (Milan defeats Oran

Championship Game, 8:10 p.m. (Hartville defeats Skyline for the state title)