Eight of the area’s top basketball programs will be in action on Saturday at the Third Annual Public vs. Private Showcase at Whitfield School. The four-game event pits four public schools against four private schools. Proceeds from the event will go to the Because We Care Foundation.
In the first game, host Whitfield will take on Oakville at noon. Oakville features 6’11” Saint Louis University recruit Austin Gillmann while Whitfield will counter with 6’5″ senior standout Dimitri Rucker.
Game No. 2 will feature Webster Groves vs. SLUH at 1:30 p.m. in a battle of tough, defensive minded teams. The two teams met in last year’s Public vs. Private Showcase with Webster Groves winning.
In Game 3, Ladue will take on St. Louis Christian Academy at 3 p.m. Ladue features one of the area’s top guards in 5’7″ senior Cornell Johnston. St. Louis Christian Academy has travelled around the country playing a national schedule.
In the finale, Hazelwood Central will take on Duchesne in a battle of two of the area’s top teams. Hazelwood Central is a contender in Class 4 while Duchesne is a prime contender in Class 4. Both teams are big and deep in talent. Tip off is at 4:30 p.m.
Hot gameÂ
One of the top games of the weekend will be held on Friday night when Madison Prep hosts Columbia Hickman at Soldan. Tip off is at 7 p.m.
Madison Prep has another strong team that is hoping to repeat as Class 3 state champions. The Bears are led by 6’8″ senior forward Arlando Cook. Columbia Hickman is one of the top Class 5 teams in the state. The Kewpies finished third in the state tournament a year ago. They are led by the stellar backcourt of 6’3″ junior Jimmy Whitt and 6’3″ senior Chris Clark.
The two teams had a memorable meeting last season in Columbia in which Hickman won on a last-second shot by Whitt.
Winter ChallengeÂ
On the girls side, the Webster Groves Winter Challenge will be held this week. The tournament features two of the nation’s top teams in Incarnate Word Academy and Columbia Rock Bridge. Barring any upsets, these two state powerhouse programs should meet in the championship game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
However, there are some other quality teams in the field with St. Joseph’s, Hazelwood Central, Cor Jesu, Webster Groves and Fort Zumwalt North.
The first-round games were played on Tuesday and Wednesday. The semifinals will be on Friday at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
IWA defeated Rock Bridge in the championship game last season. If the two teams meet again, the floor will be littered with future NCAA Division I players. Rock Bridge is the two-time Class 5 state champions while Incarnate Word is the defending Class 4 state champions.
RevengeÂ
In last week’s big showdown game, Chaminade gained some revenge when it defeated Metro Catholic Conference rival CBC 70-59. Sophomore sensation Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Red Devils. Tatum got plenty of help as sophomore Tyler Cook scored 15 points while sophomore Mike Lewis added 10. Seniors Damon Patterson and Garrett Roberts also contributed big baskets down the stretch. Senior forward Jordan Barnett led CBC with 24 points. The Cadets defeated Chaminade 80-73 in the first meeting back in December.
Tourney champsÂ
Parkway North won the championship of the Fort Zumwalt North Tournament last week. The Vikings defeated Hazelwood East 65-63 in the championship game. Senior guard Edin Bradic led the Vikings with 20 points, including five 3-pointers.
Affton on a rollÂ
Affton High has been on quite a roll this season with a 13-2 record. The Cougars defeated Normandy 82-78 last Friday night. Senior guard Marcus Burse had 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while senior guard Reid Seibert had 21 points and nine rebounds. The two seniors have been Affton’s leaders throughout the season.
