Class 2 State Semifinal Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri was in Columbia on Wednesday to check out the Class 2 semifinals at the The Mizzou Arena on the campus of the University of Missouri.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first game, Hartville used a stellar defensive effort to defeat South Pemiscot 44-27. In the second semifinal, Weaubleau rallied from an early 13-point deficit to defeat defending state champion Salisbury 70-61.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at some of Wednesday's top performers from the Class 2 semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1914118' first='Gage' last='Johnson'] (Weaubleau): The 6'0 2024 guard had a performance for the ages as he scored 39 points in the victory Salisbury. After scoring seven points in the first half, Gage started to cook in the second half with 32 points. He was knocking down 3-pointers and powering his way into the lane for buckets and numerous trips to the free throw line. He was strong, under control and very efficient in his movements.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1427979' first='Cooper' last='Francis'] (Salisbury): The 6'4 2024 guard had a tremendous shooting performance against Weaubleau with 31 points, which included eight of 12 from 3-point range. He was on fire early as he made four consecutive 3-pointers in the first quarter. He was hitting triples off the catch and off the bounce while also getting to the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grant Culver (Hartville): The 6'5 2024 forward had a dominant performance against South Pemiscot without scoring a lot of points. He only scored four points, but he was a force defensively with 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. He was physical and stout inside and he was very active.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blake Durnell (Weaubleau): The 6'0 2024 forward had 14 points, six rebounds and six assists against Salisbury. He made some terrific passes to open cutters for easy layups. He also used his physical frame to get into the lane and score against the taller Salisbury defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1756980' first='Jalon' last='Cryer'] (Hartville): The 6'2 2024 scored 10 points in the win over South Pemiscot. He's a smooth performer who can shoot it from distance. He moves well without the ball and does an excellent job of reading defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason Stapleton (Salisbury): The 6'3 2024 power forward had 21 points and seven rebounds against Weaubleau. He used his big body to maneuver inside for nine of 11 shooting from the field. He also stepped out and hit the high post jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2539667' first='Robert' last='Farmer'] (South Pemiscot): A 5'9 2026 guard scored a game high 10 points against Hartville. He has good quickness and solid handles, which enable him to create offense off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->