Must-See St. Louis Matchups to Kick Off the Season – Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Ben Vessa</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another exciting slate of matchups is on deck for teams across the St. Louis metro area, and this round of games promises to deliver meaningful early-season insights. Many of these contests will serve as legitimate measuring sticks, giving programs a chance to test themselves against high-level competition and reveal exactly where they stand in the season's opening stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adding to the intrigue, a number of these games will take place on neutral courts — settings that often heighten intensity and provide a tournament-like atmosphere. With both fanbases, scouts, and media presence expected, these matchups should bring plenty of energy and visibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From statement opportunities to potential breakout performances, this upcoming set of games will play a major role in shaping early narratives around the region's top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>December 6th</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>De Smet Jesuit vs. Belleville West (IL) (Neutral Site)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2346155' first='Jordan' last='Boyd'], [player_tooltip player_id='1850530' first='Ian' last='Thomas'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2334929' first='Will' last='Foulk'] will lead De Smet into one of the marquee early-season matchups as they take on a talented Belleville West squad. Both Boyd and Thomas enter the year with major momentum after standout summers, and with each already committed to play at the next level, they form one of the strongest one-two punches in the region. Their combination of size, athleticism, and skill should set the tone for De Smet on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Belleville West, however, brings plenty of firepower of its own — headlined by J'Dyn Lloyd, one of the fastest-rising prospects in the entire metro area. His explosiveness, playmaking ability, and emerging scoring arsenal make him the centerpiece of the Maroons' attack.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With high-level talent on both sides and early-season bragging rights on the line, this matchup has all the makings of a statement game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Principia vs. Inglewood (CA) (Neutral Site)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Principia enters the season as one of the most dominant programs in the area, and they're wasting no time testing themselves against elevated competition. Their upcoming showdown with Inglewood (CA) marks a significant jump in weight class — a challenge that should provide an early indicator of just how far this group can go. With state championship aspirations once again in their sights, Principia is determined to return to the title game and bring home another trophy.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This year's roster is loaded with talent and balance. Dynamic guards [player_tooltip player_id='2352805' first='Quentin' last='Coleman'] and Gassim Toure will spearhead the attack, bringing creativity, scoring punch, and disruptive defense to the backcourt. Complementing them in the frontcourt are big men [player_tooltip player_id='2334910' first='Sekou' last='Cisse'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1878296' first='Ron' last='Henry'], whose size, athleticism, and ability to finish inside give Principia a strong inside-out presence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Together, this core forms a versatile, dangerous group capable of matching up with almost any style of play. Their matchup with Inglewood should be one of the most revealing — and entertaining — early tests of their championship pursuit.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Putnam City North (OK) vs. Cardinal Ritter (Neutral Site)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cardinal Ritter once again appears on the list, further highlighting just how aggressively they've built their early-season schedule. They're clearly unafraid of tough tests, stacking multiple high-level matchups to sharpen themselves for a deep postseason run. All eyes will remain on their star-studded trio of [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 dynamic talents who give Ritter one of the most explosive cores in the state. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to watch how this group continues to gel, how roles naturally evolve, and which player ultimately emerges as the engine that drives their attack.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Their opponent, Putnam City North, won't be short on firepower either. PC North will counter with a deep, talented lineup featuring [player_tooltip player_id='2509295' first='Keaton' last='Murry'], Nathaniel Muriithi, [player_tooltip player_id='2437536' first='Devion' last='Gillispie'], [player_tooltip player_id='2218107' first='TJ' last='McNeely'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2326941' first='Miles' last='Jackson'] — five players capable of creating offense and impacting the game in different ways. With both teams boasting multiple playmakers and athletes, this matchup has all the ingredients for one of the most entertaining, fast-paced early-season showdowns.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>December 9th</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Lafayette at MICDS</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lafayette is set to square off with MICDS in what should be one of the more intriguing early-season matchups in the St. Louis area. Both programs enter the year with high expectations and will be looking to make a statement right out of the gate.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lafayette will lean heavily on the leadership and production of Drew Pickering and [player_tooltip player_id='2617718' first='Coleman' last='Watson'] — two players capable of stabilizing the offense, making big plays, and setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Their ability to dictate pace and create scoring opportunities will be critical as the Lancers look to build early-season momentum.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>MICDS, meanwhile, counters with one of the deepest and most balanced returning rosters in the area. Their lineup is headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='1790003' first='Brandon' last='Clemens'], [player_tooltip player_id='2090481' first='Jason' last='Stokes'], Gabe Weaver, and [player_tooltip player_id='1666704' first='Keshon' last='Mims'] — four talented players who each bring a unique skill set and veteran presence. With scoring, size, and defensive versatility across the board, MICDS has the tools to challenge anyone on their schedule.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With both teams boasting strong cores and plenty of firepower, this early-season clash has the potential to set the tone for what lies ahead. Expect a competitive, high-energy battle between two programs with postseason aspirations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->