Previews and Predictions: Class 1 Final Four
Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Final Four of the Class 1 state tournament, which will be held on Friday and Saturday at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. Semifinals, Friday, March…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Final Four of the Class 1 state tournament, which will be held on Friday and Saturday at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield.
Semifinals, Friday, March 8
Dora (29-1) vs. St. Elizabeth (23-5), 2:40 p.m.
This is a very entertaining matchup of dominating size vs. speed and shooting. The Dora Falcons feature an exciting group of young guards that can put up a lot of points in a hurry. They are led by 6’1″ sophomore guard Isaac Haney, who is one of the most exciting young bucket-getters in the state. The 5″11″ sophomore trio of triplets Mason, Austen and xx Luna are also very good players with all-around games. The Falcons will use their speed and quickness to combat a St. Elizabeth team that has excellent size and talent on the front line. The leader is 6’7″ junior forward Ross Struemph, who averages 18 points and game and 6’5″ junior Nolan Heckemeyer, who averages 12 a game.
Prediction: Dora
Linn County (15-7) vs. Jefferson (26-4), 4:30 p.m.
Jefferson has a strong tradition of success in Class 1 and it added to with a pair of big postseason victories. They defeated a Mound City team in the sectionals that had defeated them in three previous meetings, then followed that up with a 16-point victory over previously undefeated Winston in the state quarterfinals. Guard Clayton Merrigan led Jefferson with 18 points in the quarterfinals with Nathan Jermain adding 11 points. Linn County continued its excellent postseason run with a 55-49 victory over Wellsville in the state quarterfinals. Senior guard Jase White led the Mustangs with 26 points against Wellsville while Chadley Waltz added 11 points. Linn County has made it a habit of coming back from double-digit deficits to win during the playoffs, so there is plenty of fight in this team.
Prediction: Jefferson
Third Place, Saturday at 11 a.m.
St. Elizabeth over Linn County
Championship Game, Saturday at 6:20 p.m.
Dora defeats Jefferson for the state championship