Preview: Blue & Gold Tournament

<p>Since 1947, the Blue and Gold Tournament has been a holiday highlight in the Springfield area and this year promises to continue the rich tradition of exciting basketball.  The two division, 32 team slate kicks off on December 26th and wraps up with championship games on December 29th.  The action packed event takes place at JHQ Arena, home of the Missouri State Bears, as well as at the Hammons Student Center located on campus.  Here is a schedule of games along with some predictions and players to watch at this historic event!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> <br /> <img class="alignnone wp-image-324517 size-large" src="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/658/2018/12/12160537/Blue-BracketA-1024x875.jpg" alt="" width="630" height="538" /></p> <p>Parkview headlines the field in the Blue Division and when brackets were released they were a heavy favorite to bring home a title.  While the loss of star wing Ty Freeman opens up the field, the Vikings still boast a talented and deep roster, led by Dontae Taylor, that is plenty capable of bringing home the hardware.  NIxa and sophomore stud Kaleb Wofford, Rogersville who is led by area standout Luke Vandersnick,  and Willard and their dynamic junior duo of Daniel Abreu and Maurice Grayer are teams to keep an eye on who have the firepower to run the table.  Hartville and Strafford loom as our sleeper candidates capable of making some noise.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Players to Watch (Blue Bracket)</strong></span>:</p> <ul> <li>6'2 Jr Dontae Taylor - Parkview</li> <li>6'9 Sr Latre Morrison - Parkview</li> <li>6'5 Jr Daniel Abreu - Willard</li> <li>6'2 Jr Maurice Grayer - Willard</li> <li>6'2 So Kaleb Wofford - Nixa</li> <li>6'5 Sr Luke Vandersnick - Rogersville</li> <li>5'11 Sr Clay Butler - West Plains</li> <li>6'6 Jr David Oplotnik - Fair Grove</li> <li>6'4 Jr Cole Gilpin - Fair Grove</li> <li>6'3 Sr Riley Oberbeck - Strafford</li> <li>5'11 Sr Kelly Vaughn - Mt. Vernon</li> <li>6'4 Jr Cale Miller - Mt. Vernon</li> <li>6'0 Jr Logan Armitage - Hollister</li> <li>6'6 Sr Dylan Massey - Mt. Grove</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="alignnone wp-image-324518 size-large" src="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/658/2018/12/12160537/Gold-BracketA-1024x879.jpg" alt="" width="630" height="541" /></p> <p>A well-deserved 1 seed in the Gold Division goes to Springfield Catholic.  The undefeated Irish are led by a dynamic senior backcourt in Jake Branham and Charlie O'Reilly and feature some of the more impressive depth in the tournament.  A legitimate Class 3 title contender, Catholic is our favorite in the Gold Division but it will not come easy.  The always dangerous Ozark looms as a tough out as the number 2 seed.  Republic has a tough path to the finals, but they are battle tested in the young year.  The Tigers, led by Drury signee Broc Smith, have gone toe to toe with high level competition and are sure to be up to the challenge.  Our sleeper pick in the Gold Division is Greenwood who checks in as the 7 seed.  When you have the best player in the gym, and they do in Aminu Mohammed, you always have a chance to win.  The Blue Jays notched an impressive win over Class 4 Rogersville recently and will look to earn more respect at the Blue &amp; Gold.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Players to Watch (Gold Division)</strong></span>:</p> <ul> <li>6'5 So Aminu Mohammed - Greenwood</li> <li>6'2 Sr Jake Branham - Catholic</li> <li>6'2 Sr Charlie O'Reilly - Catholic</li> <li>6'2 Jr Quenton Shelton - Ozark</li> <li>6'4 Sr Broc Smith - Republic</li> <li>5'9 So Drew McMillin - Republic</li> <li>6'4 Jr Jaden Gilpin - Glendale</li> <li>6'7 Sr Dawson Zimdars - Lebanon</li> <li>6'5 Sr Triston Letterman - Marshfield</li> <li>6'6 So Lance Hafer - Reeds Spring</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>