3 Takeaways: Vianney vs. Sikeston

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A much anticipated Class 5 matchup. These two teams have taken different paths to get to this point. Sikeston played a regional schedule and was 28-1 to this point. Vianney on the other hand played tough location competition in the MCC along with multiple high level events. This game showcased that tough scheduling can pay off for important games. It was also a home game for Vianney and the crowd was excellent, bringing energy to the competition. In the end, Vianney took home the win and will continue playing at Mizzou Arena next week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2090504' first='Ben' last='Karsten'] steals the show.&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes games like these come down to a player excelling in a role or opportunity they didn't have much throughout the season. That's exactly what happened to Karsten. He's a known shooter who can fill it up from three. The sophomore sharpshooter got it going from behind the arc and never looked back. His 18 points were loud because he got them all within the flow of the game. No free throws needed. He was single-handedly stopping any Sikeston run from happening. This could've been a true breakout game for the young 2026 guard. He showed that his one elite skill can change a massive playoff game. Look for this game to be a building block for him into the future. Vianney will need him to make shots in order to win state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1259029' first='Dontrez' last='Williams'] caps off a great senior year.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams had 25 points and 12 rebounds in the effort. The senior did what he could to keep the game close. His slashing ability and prowess in transition delivers a number of highlights. He played above the rim on lobs and dunks early in the 1st quarter. Williams has a unique way of getting to the basket at will. He's a better athlete than everybody else on the floor and can fit into tight spaces. He's wiry, strong and overpowered the Vianney defense at times. During the second half he was active and made shots from range. This is the top 2024 in the state and he proved it all year long. Williams has a high upside and will only get better as he works on his game in a college system. A potential Mr. Basketball candidate and the likely Class 5 Player of the Year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What's next for Vianney?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vianney is playing their best basketball at the right time. This is a team that can make the three with potency. Kevin Walsh is coaching some of the best basketball of his career. He has found a way to utilize [player_tooltip player_id='1419873' first='Luke' last='Walsh'], [player_tooltip player_id='1790001' first='Eddie' last='Smajic'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1850525' first='Symon' last='Ghai'] all at once. Ghai has been one of the biggest difference makers in the entire state. At 7'3 he's one of the best defenders this state has ever seen. A dominant force around the basket. His standing reach is humongous and he blocks a ton of shots on the weak side. If they're able to win it all this program will be changed for many years down the road. It'll impact Walsh's legacy and puts him among the best coaches in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->