Storylines To Follow This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the new season approaching, what are some storylines to track? How will classifications be adjusted? Who will be the teams that surprise? Which players will take their game to the next level?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Classifications</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardinal Ritter will remain in Class 6 given their success factor. The Lions have gone from Class 3 to Class 5 to Class 6 in just a matter of season. No other program has done so in recent memory. De Smet will almost certainly be in Class 6 as well. The Spartans are a dangerous team and definite contender to repeat as state champions. Vianney is yet another program who could move classes due to being private, enrollment, and their success factor given they made state last season. How MSHSAA handles placing these programs in a district will be much anticipated. Last season Chaminade and CBC were both in Class 6 District 3. Could another MCC program be added? These are all key questions. Class 5 District 2 was a gauntlet last year. Webster Groves, St. Mary's, and Vianney were all in contention. Could there be some changes? That's another question to be answered.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Surprise Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockhurst is a team that comes to mind. They made noise during last season's playoffs and returned much of their core. An athletic team with positional size across the board. They have smart guards, frontcourt talent, and shooting. A sleeper to make state in Class 6.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rock Bridge is a team who has size and experience. Their best players are frontcourt prospects. This alone gives them a leg up on most of the competition. Last season they experienced plenty of success and this core of players know how to play together. The Bruins are well positioned to make a run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westminster is not to be taken lightly. Dale Ribble is an elite coach and knows what it takes to get the most out of this team. He has a couple program guys in their final season. This motivating factor paired with talented youth should be enough for them to find success in 2024-25'. [player_tooltip player_id='1881005' first='JD' last='Robertson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2334909' first='Will' last='Powers'] will form a potent scoring duo.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helias has a chance to win it all in Class 5, especially with De Smet moving out. They have excellent 2026s and brought in a number of cross town transfers. It's a squad that looked good in June. Expectations are high. Guard play is important and that's their strength.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MICDS was in a district with John Burroughs and Principia last season, however, the Rams will be ready to get their chance once again. [player_tooltip player_id='1790003' first='Brandon' last='Clemens'], [player_tooltip player_id='2090481' first='Jason' last='Stokes'], [player_tooltip player_id='1666704' first='Keshon' last='Mims'], and Gabe Weaver are all 2026s who have starting experience. Their defensive style should lead them to a great season. A talented team with motivation to prove themselves.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players on the Rise</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Devin Harrington is a hidden gem at Thayer. He's 6'6 and changes the entire game with his activity level. A borderline dominant force at the Class 3 level. His defense, rebounding, and ability to finish above the rim will lead Thayer as they look to replace the scoring of Aidan Burns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1424415' first='Andrew' last='Moore'] is a key name to watch with his recent transfer to Montgomery County. He instantly makes them one of the most talented small schools in the state. He should put up huge scoring numbers in 2024-25'.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1850534' first='Jaxson' last='Joggerst'] is quietly one of the best juniors in St. Louis. A 6'7 forward at Eureka. He makes threes, guards the post better than anybody in his conference, and is simply a lot to deal with around the cup. Had he played summer basketball instead of baseball he would be well known.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1424397' first='Ranelo' last='Smith'] is a top notch floor general for Raytown. The speedy guard finds his spots and makes plays for others. He has been doing extremely well with VWBA during the summer months. Look for this senior to take that next step in his final season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2090503' first='Jakobe' last='Hicks'] will need to take that next step for Staley to remain competitive. He was excellent as a sophomore and did his job well. Now and upperclassmen, his role will change greatly. He's talented and capable of leading this team in a major way. It's his time to shine. Know his name in the 2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->