It was a year ago about this same time, that Webster Groves and Vashon staged an epic late-season game that served as a catalyst for two state championship runs.
Host Vashon raced out to a 17-point lead behind some torrid three-point shooting in the first half. However, the Statesmen staged a furious second-half rally to take a stunning 60-59 victory on Courtney Ramey’s game-winning free throw with five seconds left.
The game served as great preparation for both teams as they went on to win state championships. Webster Groves won the Class 5 state championship while Vashon won its second consecutive Class 4 state title.
The rematch of this great game is upon us once again, and it will be held tonight at St. Louis Community College at Meramec at 7 p.m. Webster Groves was scheduled to host the game this year, but the venue was changed several weeks ago to accommodate what will be another sellout crowd for this showdown between two state powers, who are seeking another state championship.
Webster Groves enters the game with a 14-7 record while Vashon is currently 17-4. Both teams have really tested themselves by playing a national schedule against some of the top programs in the country.
Webster Groves has had its full lineup for only a handful of games this season as star guard Courtney Ramey missed the first month of the season with a broken wrist and standout big Carte’are Gordon missed two games recently for disciplinary reasons. He returned to the lineup last Friday night in the Statesmen’s victory over Rockwood Summit.
The 6’4” Ramey is currently averaging 21.5 points, seven rebounds and 6.5 assists a game. He recently surpassed the 1,500 point mark in his career while also becoming the school’s career leader in assists. The 6’8” Gordon is currently averaging 18.8 points and 8.4 rebounds a game. The dynamic duo receives plenty of offensive support from 6’1” senior guard R.J. Wright, 6’3” junior sharpshooter Ray Adams and 6’0” junior guard Amorey Womack.
The young and talented Wolverines are athletic and like to push the tempo and play high-scoring games whenever possible. They are led by dynamic 6’1” junior guard Mario McKinney, who is averaging close to 20 points a game. The Wolverines also feature 6’2” junior guard Donyae McCaskill, 6’4” junior forward Cyrus Alexander and the talented sophomore trio of 6’5” Cam’Ron Fletcher, 5’8” Phillip Russell and 6’4” Kobe Clark.
District playoffs begin for small schools
The postseason begins next week in the state of Missouri for schools in Classes 1, 2 and 3. Most of the St. Louis area teams will be participating in Class 3 District tournaments around the area. Here is a look at those upcoming district tournaments.
District 4 (at Whitfield)
Top Seed: Whitfield
Top Contenders: Hancock, Valley Park
Championship Game: Friday, February 23, 5:30 p.m.
Outlook: No. 1 seed Whitfield is the big favorite in the district. The Warriors won the district last season en route to a runner-up finish in the state tournament. Whitfield is led by University of Missouri recruit Torrence Watson.
Girls: Top seed Whitfield is loaded and primed for another run at the Final Four after finishing second in the state tournament a year ago. The championship game is set for Friday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
District 5 (at Roosevelt)
Top Seed: Cardinal Ritter
Top Contenders: Lift for Life, Maplewood, Carnahan
Championship: Friday, Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.
Outlook: Defending district champion Cardinal Ritter is a strong favorite here with its excellent backcourt of Malek Davis, Jared Phillips and strong freshman Mario Fleming. Maplewood has come close to upsetting some very good teams this season.
Girls: Top seed Cardinal Ritter and No. 2 seed Metro have had some great battles over the year for the district championship. Barring any upsets, another one is at hand. The championship game is set for Friday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
District 6 (at Duchesne)
Top Seed: Trinity
Top Contenders: Northwest Academy, Duchesne, Orchard Farm, Lutheran North
Championship: Saturday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.
Outlook: Once again, one of the most loaded districts in the state. Trinity is young and very talented, but defending state champion Northwest Academy and host Duchesne also field powerful teams. Orchard Farm and Lutheran North also bear watching as well.
Girls: Top seed Lutheran North is loaded and seeking another run at the Final Four after finishing third last season. Orchard Farm also fields a solid team. The championship game is set for Saturday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.
District 7 (at Winfield)
Top Seed: Christian-O’Fallon
Top Contenders: Montgomery County
Championship Game, Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Montgomery County and Christian-O’Fallon staged an excellent district final last season, won by Montgomery County. A rematch is a good possibility with Christian-O’Fallon as the top seed this time with his combination of senior leaders and talented freshmen.
Girls: Christian-O’Fallon gets the top seed in this balanced district with Bowling Green and Lutheran St. Charles looking to challenge. The championship game is set for Friday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m.
