Class 4-5 State Quarterfinals: My Fearless Predictions:

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the matchups for Friday night’s state quarterfinals games in Classes 4 and 5, along with our fearless predictions. All of the quarterfinals games will tip off at 6 p.m. The winners will head to Springfield this weekend for the Final Four at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University.</p> <h4>Class 4</h4> <p>New Madrid Central at Vashon: Through the years, there have been some tremendous postseason games involving teams from St. Louis and teams from the boot heel. This should be another one as No. 1 Vashon takes on No. 2 and undefeated New Madrid. Vashon has a veteran unit led by 2021 Division I recruits Nick Kern and [player_tooltip player_id="1042400" first="Keshon" last="Gilbert"]. A youthful New Madrid team’s leading scorers are 2024s Jadis Jones and B.J. Williamson. (Prediction: Vashon)</p> <p>Blair Oaks at East Newton (Prediction: Blair Oaks): Another powerhouse matchup featuring a Blair Oaks team that is seeking a return trip to the Final Four against an East Newton team that is having its best season ever. Blair Oaks features dominant big 6’9" 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="984504" first="Luke" last="Northweather"], sharpshooting 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="992312" first="Quinn" last="Kusgen"] and 2021 playmaker Jay Closser. East Newton has three 1,000-point scorers in 6’5" Connor Killion, 6’3" Kyson Lahman and 6’0" Lucas Kimbrough, who are all 2021s. (Prediction: Blair Oaks)</p> <p>Westminster at Father Tolton: Another rich matchup that features visiting Westminster, who is making its second consecutive appearance in the Elite Eight. Host Tolton comes in battle tested after playing one of the toughest schedules in the state. WCA is paced by its excellent backcourt of 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="985421" first="Casen" last="Lawrence"], 2023 Kobi Smith and improving 6’8’ 2022 forward [player_tooltip player_id="985432" first="Austin" last="Vick"]. Tolton is paced by its strong trio of 6’11" 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="984500" first="Jevon" last="Porter"], 6’6" 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1045831" first="Justin" last="Boyer"] and 6’4" 2022 Takhi Chievous. (Prediction: WCA)</p> <p>Barstow vs. Richmond (Site, TBD): Richmond advanced to the quarterfinals with an impressive victory over then-undefeated Pembroke Hill while Barstow defeated a talented St. Michael the Archangel team. Barstow gets excellent play from 2021 point guard [player_tooltip player_id="1042402" first="Connor" last="Arment"].  (Prediction: Barstow)</p> <h4> </h4> <h4>Class 5</h4> <p>Lutheran South at North County: Both teams have terrific dynamic duos to lead the way. Lutheran South has gotten a big postseason from 6’7" 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="824151" first="Jack" last="Lawson"] along with 6’3" 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="986460" first="Jonathan" last="Prange"]. North County got a combined 54 points from its terrific guard tandem of [player_tooltip player_id="824156" first="Kyle" last="Conkright"] and [player_tooltip player_id="824201" first="Karter" last="Kekec"] in its sectional round victory over Sikeston.  (Prediction: North County)</p> <p>Nevada at Bolivar:  (Prediction: Nevada): Nevada advanced to the quarterfinals with a tremendous comeback victory over Logan-Rogersville in the sectionals on Tuesday night. 2022 guard [player_tooltip player_id="824146" first="Logan" last="Applegate"] is a tremendous perimeter shooter on a team full of shooters. Bolivar is a big team with 6’7" 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1070084" first="Kyle" last="Pock"] and 6’6" 2022 Josh Bowes, who had 25 points in Tuesday night’s win over Rolla in the sectionals. (Prediction: Nevada)</p> <p>Cardinal Ritter at DeSmet: These two teams staged a double-overtime classic early in the season, which was won by Ritter. The Lions got 30 points from 2021 guard [player_tooltip player_id="824116" first="Mario" last="Fleming"] in a hard-fought win over Jennings in the sectionals. DeSmet had a balanced attack in its big victory over St. Dominic on Tuesday. (Prediction: Cardinal Ritter)</p> <p>Mexico at Van Horn: This matchup will feature some excellent guard play on both teams. Mexico features slick 2022 point guard Isaiah Reams, who scores and runs the team. Van Horn features 6’0" 2021 bucket [player_tooltip player_id="994440" first="Jaden" last="Monday"] and 2022s [player_tooltip player_id="1053674" first="Brycen" last="Dean"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1053672" first="Jeremy" last="Page"].  (Prediction: Van Horn)</p> <h4> </h4>