Big schools take center stage as Class 4 and 5 district playoffs approach

With the small schools completing their district playoffs this week, the bigger schools will take center stage when district competition begins this weekend moves full steam into next week.

Here is a preview of the upcoming Class 4 and 5 district playoffs involving St. Louis area teams. To see the full playoff brackets for both boys and girls, visit the website www.mshsaa.org.

Class 5

District 2 (at Timberland) 

Dates: Feb. 27-March 3. Championship Game, March 3, 7 p.m.

Outlook: Host Timberland draws the top seed with challenges coming from Fort Zumwalt West and Fort Zumwalt South in this competitive district.

District 3 (at McCluer North)

Dates: Feb. 25-March 3. Championship Game, March 3, 6 p.m.

Outlook: Pattonville gets the top seed behind its inside-outside duo of Richard Henderson and Destan Williams. A good challenge will come from Hazelwood Central or McCluer North, who will meet each other in the semifinals.

District 4 (at SLUH)

Dates: Feb. 26-March 3. Championship Game, March 3, 7 p.m.

Outlook: A loaded district featuring the defending state champions in Chaminade and two-time Final Four participant SLUH. Ladue and Ritenour have also enjoyed very productive seasons.

District 5 (at Eureka)

Dates: Feb. 25-March 3. Championship Game, March 3, 7 p.m.

Outlook: Francis Howell drew the top seed after winning the GAC South title and getting 20 victories. No. 2 seed Lafayette is also capable of pulling off a surprise while Eureka and Marquette bear watching.

District 6 (at Parkway South)

Dates: Feb. 25-March 2. Championship Game, March 2, 7:45 p.m.

Outlook: CBC is the No. 1 seed after experiencing the ups and downs of being a young team. The Cadets must look out for No. 2 seed Parkway South, who has been surging as of late.

District 7 (at Lindbergh)

Dates: Feb. 25-March 3. Championship Game, March 3, 6 p.m.

Outlook: State contender Webster Groves is the big favorite in this district with the combination of Courtney Ramey and Carte’are Gordon. Lindbergh and Vianney will try to pull the upset.

District 8 (at Jefferson City)

Dates: Feb. 28-March 2. Championship Game, March 2, 7 p.m.

Outlook: This district has only four teams and Troy, Jefferson City, Holt and Battle are all capable of winning the championship.

Class 4

District 3 (at Lutheran South)

Championship Game: March 3, 7 p.m. – St. Mary’s is the top seed after enjoying an excellent regular season as the AAA championships. The top challengers are host Lutheran South and Confluence.

District 4 (at Clayton)

Championship Game: March 2, 5 p.m. – Defending state champion Vashon is the big favorite in this district as well as the state tournament with talented and veteran crew. No. 2 seed Miller Career Academy is a worthy challenger.

District 5 (at Parkway Central)

Championship Game: March 3, 8 p.m. – A very competitive district that features three teams in Parkway Central, MICDS and Westminster who are all capable of winning the top prize.

District 6 (at St. Clair)

Championship Game: March 3, 7 p.m. – Another wide open district featuring four capable contenders in Sullivan, Parkway West, Borgia and Pacific. A team will have to win two tough games to advance.

District 7 (at St. Charles)

Championship Game: March 4, 7 p.m. – No. 2 seed McCluer is one of the hottest teams in town, but No. 1 seed Jennings has beaten McCluer twice.  Both are excellent contenders to advance. Also, watch for host St. Charles.

District 8 (at Wentzville Liberty)

Championship Game, March 3, 6 p.m. – Host Liberty gets the No. 1 seed after winning a conference championship.  Fulton and Warrenton will provide solid challenges.