Merry Midpoint: Class 5
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Each year the Christmas to New Years’ time period basically represents the midpoint of the season. A lot of teams have played double-digit games at this point, so we wanted to take an early look at the different districts in…
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Continue ReadingEach year the Christmas to New Years’ time period basically represents the midpoint of the season. A lot of teams have played double-digit games at this point, so we wanted to take an early look at the different districts in Class 5 on the boys side.
District 1 Location – North County
- Likely Favorite: Sikeston
- Upset Candidate: Cape Central
- Comments: Sikeston is the favorite and the upset candidate is Cape Central, a flip of last season where we saw an upset in favor of Sikeston. These two always make for an exciting game because each roster has a ton of talent. Sikeston is regarded as one of, if not the best in Class 5. Cape Central is getting healthy, however, and can compete with anybody. The winner of this district will be battle tested.
District 2 Location – Webster Groves
- Likely Favorite: Vianney
- Upset Candidate: Webster Groves
- Comments: The toughest district in all of Class 5. It feels wrong to leave St. Mary’s off this list because of their record. The three teams we have listed can all make deep runs and have dynamic top-end talent. Vianney is the favorite by a very slim margin. Webster is a team that has great culture and will always be contending to win the district. District 2 is a true three-way toss up.
District 3 Location – Parkway Central
- Likely Favorite: Ladue
- Upset Candidate: De Smet
- Comments: Ladue has been a surprise to some this season. Many thought they may drop back after a great 2023 and that doesn’t appear to be the case. They play a tough-minded, fast style of basketball. De Smet is always a contender in Class 5. Kent Williams has the program in a good place and this young core is developing chemistry. A tight district
District 4 Location – St. Charles
- Likely Favorite: Fort Zumwalt South
- Upset Candidate: St. Charles
- Comments: Another district that’s a virtual toss up. There’s no true dominant team in District 4 and anybody can win it with momentum and a good draw. Zumwalt South has looked very good so far but will that be the case in February. Just about any team could come out of this region and there’s sure to be a number of close games. St. Charles having home court advantage could play a factor.
District 5 Location – Jefferson City
- Likely Favorite: Jefferson City
- Upset Candidate: Helias
- Comments: Jefferson City is a team that has played great competition, has talent, and a coach that knows what his team’s strengths are. They’re the favorite, however, Helias could provide resistance. Jordan Martin Jordan Martin 6'6" | SF Jefferson City | 2025 State MO is the best player in the district and this advantage will be key for Jefferson City. His ability to impact the game at 6’6 could prove to be too much for opposing defenses.
District 6 Location – Marshfield
- Likely Favorite: Parkview
- Upset Candidate: Rolla
- Comments: Parkview had a great showing during their Thanksgiving tournament and has been one of the surprises in Class 5. They’re well coached, tough, and have an imposing frontline. The length of their forwards can cause problems on the defensive end. Rolla is a team with chemistry and a dynamic sophomore in Ethan Brown Ethan Brown 6'4" | CG Rolla | 2026 State MO . They’re a dark horse.
District 7 Location – Pembroke Hill
- Likely Favorite: Pembroke Hill
- Upset Candidate: Grandview
- Comments: Pembroke Hill has experience making deep runs. They’ll once again be favorites in their district and have a dynamic guard tandem. Mav Hawkins Mav Hawkins 6'2" | CG Pembroke Hill | 2026 State MO is one of the best in 2026. Grandview could spoil the party, however. They play great defense and have a number of guards who can defend with high intensity. A versatile roster with a high ceiling.
District 8 Location – Winnetonka
- Likely Favorite: Winnetonka
- Upset Candidate: Kearney
- Comments: Winnetonka has been off to a very hot start this season. They are talented in the guard/wing department and have a number of interchangeable players. Their talent is obvious. One of the most athletic groups on the west side of the state. Kearney is an upset type of team. They don’t get a ton of media attention but play solid basketball and are well coached. It’s not hard to see them coming out of this district.