The postseason is right around the corner, but there is one more tasty non-conference matchup on the docket Thursday, February 16 when Webster Groves pays a visit to Vashon in a battle of state-championship contenders. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. and a sellout is a virtual certainty.
The Wolverines are gearing up for another run at the Class 4 state championship, which they won last year. Webster Groves is in the hunt for a Class 5 state championship. Tonight’s game will serve as a perfect tune-up before the district playoffs begin at the end of the month.
Vashon has a veteran team that is battle-tested with its national schedule, which helped them get in the national rankings early in the season. The Wolverines are led by its senior trio of 5’11” guard Daniel “Peanut” Farris, 6’8” Kansas State recruit Levi Stockard and 6’3” Koray Gilbert. They have also been getting excellent play in recent weeks from 6’8” junior Joseph Reece, a long and skilled combo forward. Sophomore guard Mario McKinney brings offensive firepower off the bench.
The Statesmen feature the one-two punch of five-star prospects Courtney Ramey and Carte’are Gordon. The 6’3” Ramey is averaging 19.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists a game. The talented junior guard recently gave a verbal commitment to Louisville. The 6’8” Gordon is averaging 18.4 points and 9.5 rebounds since joining the lineup in late January. Gordon has already verbally committed to Saint Louis University. The Statesmen also get excellent contributions from explosive 6’1” senior Cam Potts, 6’4” senior Isaiah Ford, 5’9” defensive stopper Kevin Butler and 6’3” sophomore sharpshooter Ray Adams.
District playoffs begin for small schools
The district playoffs will begin for Class 1, 2 and 3 schools in the state of Missouri, beginning this weekend. Here is a look at some of those district tournaments, involving St. Louis area teams. To see the full brackets, visit the website, www.mshsaa.org.
Class 3
District 4 (at Valley Park)
Dates: Feb. 20-25. Championship Game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m.
Outlook: Whitfield drew the No. 1 seed. The Warriors are looking to get back to the Final Four where they finished fourth last season in the state tournament. They are led by 6’5” junior guard Torrence Watson, who is averaging 28 points a game. Whitfield’s top challengers in the district will be No. 2 seed Hancock and No. 3 seed Valley Park. These two conference rivals have already met twice with Hancock winning both games, including a 90-86 classic two weeks ago.
District 5 (at Vashon)
Dates: Feb. 17-24. Championship Game, Friday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Cardinal Ritter is a solid favorite as the No. 1 seed. The Lions advanced to the state quarterfinals last season and are currently No. 1 in Class 3 this season. Their main challenges could come from Maplewood, Carnahan and Brentwood, who are talented but very young teams.
District 6 (at Orchard Farm)
Dates: Feb. 20-24. Championship Game, Friday, Feb. 24, 7p.m.
Outlook: This will be one of the most competitive Class 3 districts in the state. Northwest drew the No. 1 seed, but seven of the eight teams feel like they could make a run to the district championship. No. 2 seed Duchesne will mount a big challenge with its junior-laden lineup. McCluer South-Berkeley, North Tech, Trinity, Lutheran North and Orchard Farm are also solid.
McCluer Comets are surging
The McCluer Comets have been on a roll in the past two weeks with a seven-game winning streak. McCluer continued its streak with impressive victories over Pattonville and rival McCluer North. The Comets have an athletic team with many key players between 6’0” and 6’3’. The Comets are led by 6’1” senior forward Damond Gathing and 5’11” senior point guard Anthony Harris. McCluer has also been getting good play from 6’3” senior Gerald Moore, 6’3” sophomore Dareon Graham and 6’0” senior guard Jaylen Kemple.
Liberty wins a conference title
Wentzville Liberty has only been in existence for four years, but the Eagles now call themselves conference champions after winning the Gateway Athletic Conference Central title last week. Coach Chip Sodeman has an excellent junior duo leading the way in 6’4” Kaleb Overall and 6’1” Jaylen Sims as well as a fine post player in 6’4” senior Brian Jones.
