Must-See St. Louis Matchups to Kick Off the Season – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Nate Latsch</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Louis once again stands as one of the premier high school basketball hubs in the country, and the upcoming season promises to reinforce that reputation. The area is loaded with high-profile teams, elite prospects, and programs carrying significant expectations into the new year. From established powerhouses to rising contenders, many squads will use the opening weeks to showcase just how far their players have developed since last winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The early-season stretch will be especially telling. With tough schedules, marquee matchups, and unfamiliar opponents on the horizon, St. Louis teams will be tested immediately. How they respond — how quickly they find chemistry, how their stars perform under pressure, and how emerging contributors step into larger roles — will provide valuable insight into what each program might become as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fans should expect a fast start, compelling storylines, and plenty of learning moments as the city's best navigate their early challenges on the road to another thrilling year of St. Louis basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>November 29th</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Vashon at Paideia</em> (GA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Vashon is once again wasting no time testing itself, opening the season with a high-profile matchup against Paideia out of Georgia — a game that should immediately reveal just how sharp the defending state champions are right out of the gate. The Wolverines continue to embrace one of the toughest early-season schedules in the region, and this showdown is no exception.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>All eyes will be on [player_tooltip player_id='2090498' first='Kain' last='McCaskill'] and Jimmy McKinney III, the two players expected to set the tone for Vashon on both ends of the floor. Each enters the season with something to prove — more responsibility, higher expectations, and the weight of leading a program determined to defend its state title. Their energy, decision-making, and ability to rise in big moments will be crucial as Vashon begins its journey back to the top.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This matchup won't just be a test — it will be a statement opportunity, and a chance to see how ready Vashon is to chase another championship run.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Centennial (CA) at Webster Groves</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Webster Groves is gearing up for a massive early-season showdown at the Southeast Showcase, where they'll take on a talented and deep Centennial squad from California — one of the toughest opponents they'll face all year. It's a marquee matchup that immediately thrusts the Statesmen into the national spotlight and sets the tone for what could be another special season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2334870' first='Scottie' last='Adkinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2194999' first='Miles' last='Simpson'] return to lead a Webster Groves team loaded with experience, confidence, and championship expectations. Both players are poised to elevate their games even further, and their leadership will be crucial as Webster Groves attempts to pick up right where it left off last year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Facing Centennial will serve as the first of many significant tests for this seasoned roster. With the skill, depth, and competitive fire to make another run at a state title, Webster Groves enters the showcase with something to prove — and the opportunity to show they're every bit as dangerous as they were a season ago. This matchup is more than just an early-season game; it's a statement opportunity for a team with sky-high aspirations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>December 2nd</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>St. Dominic vs. Marquette (Neutral Site)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Dominic enters the 2025–2026 season with a deeper, more experienced roster and plenty of optimism about what this group can accomplish. The early portion of their schedule will offer the first real chance to showcase that growth, and a matchup with Marquette should provide valuable clarity on where the Crusaders stand right out of the gate.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ace Armstrong and Nolan Struckman are expected to anchor St. Dominic's attack, each bringing an expanded two-way presence that will be central to the team's identity. Their development and leadership will be key factors in determining how far this improved group can go.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Marquette, meanwhile, counters with a senior-heavy lineup loaded with next-level talent. [player_tooltip player_id='1598824' first='Brody' last='Owen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2117946' first='Alex' last='Komorech'] headline the roster, giving the Mustangs a dynamic one-two punch capable of taking over stretches of the game. Their experience and versatility present a significant early challenge for St. Dominic.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With veteran leadership on both sides and high expectations surrounding each team, this matchup has the makings of a compelling early-season test — one that could reveal a great deal about each program's potential trajectory for the year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>December 3rd</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Cardinal Ritter at Howell</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There may not be a more intriguing team to open the 2025–2026 season in Missouri than Cardinal Ritter. Loaded with talent and poised for a massive year, the Lions feature a star-studded trio in [player_tooltip player_id='2894779' first='Brock' last='Bass-Bonner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1850523' first='Oscar' last='Patterson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1790004' first='Jaylen' last='Edwards'] — three players capable of taking over games and commanding attention every time they step on the floor. With that level of firepower, Cardinal Ritter is positioned to turn heads from day one and could quickly establish itself as one of the most dangerous teams in the state.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Their early-season matchup with Howell offers the perfect opportunity to get an initial read on just how explosive this group can be. And it won't come easy — Howell brings plenty of strength of its own. The Vikings roll out a balanced, talented three-headed attack led by [player_tooltip player_id='2404058' first='Lincoln' last='Swan'], Aidan O'Haire, and Oliver Vanbuskirk, each of whom brings scoring ability, toughness, and leadership to the lineup. This experienced core should make Howell more than formidable throughout the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With elite talent on both sides and two programs with legitimate aspirations, this early showdown has all the makings of a statement game. Expect high-level play, big-time performances, and an early glimpse at two of Missouri's most compelling squads.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->