Preview: Top Holiday First Round Matchups
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Now that all the Christmas presents have been opened, it’s time to get the holiday tournament season in full swing with action taking place all over the state. While folks are gearing up for some of those potential big matchups…
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Continue ReadingNow that all the Christmas presents have been opened, it’s time to get the holiday tournament season in full swing with action taking place all over the state.
While folks are gearing up for some of those potential big matchups that will take place in the semifinals and championship games, there are some very intriguing games that will be held in the first round.
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at some of those top first-round tournament matchups around the state.
Father Tolton vs Blair Oaks: (Joe Machens Great 8 in Jefferson City. Thursday, December 27 at 5:30 p.m.) – This is by far the best first-round matchup in the state. These two Mid-Mo teams are Final Four contenders in Class 4. They also have Mr. Basketball candidates in 6’11 Jevon Porter Jevon Porter 6'11" | SF Tolton Catholic | 2022 State #110 Nation MO of Father Tolton and 6’10 Luke Northweather Luke Northweather 6'9" | PF Blair Oaks | 2022 State MO of Blair Oaks.
Lafayette vs Hickman (Coaches vs Cancer at Lafayette. Monday, December 27 at 3:30 p.m.) – A very intriguing No. 8 vs No. 9 seed matchup as Hickman comes into the tournament with an impressive 8-1 record. Lafayette has a solid team led by 2023 6’7″ stock riser Matt Haefner, who is averaging 20 points a game. And the Lancers are the host school.
Carthage vs. Lincoln Prep (US Bank at Rolla. Tuesday, December 28 at 2:30 p.m.) – This matchup features some good backcourts on both teams. Carthage is led by 5’10″ 2023 Max Templeman Max Templeman 5'10" | PG Carthage | 2023 MO while Lincoln Prep is paced by 5’10″ 2023 Israel Randle Israel Randle 5'10" | PG North Kansas City | 2023 State MO .
Springfield Central vs. Willow Springs (Monday, December 27, Blue & Gold, Gold Division, 9:30 a.m.) – Central has a talented group of underclassmen while Willow Springs has a very solid small-school unit.
Rockhurst vs. Oak Park (William Jewell Holley Division, Tuesday, December 28, 9 p.m.) – Rockhurst will enter the tournament with a 5-2 record while and young and talented Oak Park team is currently undefeated in five contests.