Two major basketball events will take place in the St. Louis area in coming days, beginning with the fifth annual Vashon Winter Classic boys event on Saturday January 27 at Vashon High. On the girls side, Webster Groves will host its annual Winter Challenge, which will begin next Tuesday, January 30.
The Vashon Winter Classic is a six-game boys basketball showcase that features top teams from all across the state of Missouri and Illinois. Here is a look at the six game schedule.
Session I
John Burroughs vs. Granite City, 11:30 a.m. – The Bombers entered the week at 14-3 and are one of the top teams in Class 4. They feature one of the area’s top inside combos in 6’8” sophomore Tristan Reed and 6’9” sophomore Sheek Pearson. They also have a nice pair of guards in senior Ramzi Salem and Owen Walther. Granite City enters the week on a nine-game winning streak. The Warriors are led by 6’4” senior Mario Brown, who is averaging 14 points a game.
Chaminade vs. St. Laurence (IL), 1 p.m. – Chaminade features a young and talented team, led by junior guard Collin Perry, who is averaging a team-high 12 points a game. They also have a talented pair of forwards in 6’7” sophomore Jamison White and 6’8” Jahidi White Jr, who are the sons of former Cardinal Ritter star and NBA player Jahidi White.
Webster Groves vs. Springfield Central, 2:30 p.m. – Webster Groves is having a strong season as one of the top contenders in Class 5. The Statesmen have a strong dynamic duo in 6’4” senior forward Iziah Purvey and 6’3” freshman guard Scottie Adkinson. Springfield Central comes down from the Southwest part of the state. The Bulldogs have one of the top teams in Class 6. Central features a talented group of guards, led by 6’4” senior Tyrique Brooks, 6’1” junior Keion Epps, 6’1” junior Rue Wells and 6’6” junior forward Bryce Walker.
Session II
University City vs. Staley, 4:30 p.m. – University City is a talented team that enters the week with a 10-4 record. They are led by 6’5” senior small forward Lee Williams, who is averaging 14.9 points a game. They also feature the junior pair of 6’6” forward Jayden Creighton and 6’1” guard Miyel Taylor. Staley is a strong team from the Kansas City area. The Falcons are led by junior guard Avian Webb, 6’2” senior guard K.V. Stone and 6’7” junior forward Xavier Wilson.
Father Tolton vs. Chicago Whitney Young, 6 p.m. – Father Tolton has one of the top teams in Class 4 this season. The Trailblazers have a tremendous starting backcourt in 6’2” junior Aaron Rowe and 6’1” Zay Wilson. Whitney Young is perennially one of the top programs from the Chicagoland area.
Vashon vs. Cape Girardeau Central, 7:30 p.m. – The host Wolverines are once again one of the best teams in the state as the defending three-time Class 4 state champions. Vashon has talented up and down the lineup with its talented junior guard tandem of Christian Williams and Trey Williams along with 6’8” junior Nicholas Randall. Cape Central is one of the top teams in the SEMO area. The Tigers are led by 6’3” senior Jay Reynolds, a SEMO recruit and the talented sophomore pair of 6’3” guard Marquel Murray and 6’6” forward Tyseandre Edwards.
*Webster Winter Challenge is loaded
The Webster Winter Challenge features a Who’s Who of top girls programs from the St. Louis area, along with perennial Mid-Missouri power Rock Bridge from Columbia. The highlight team of the field is Incarnate Word Academy, which enters this week on a 115-game winning streak.
The action begins on Tuesday, January 30 with four first-round games. The semifinals will be held on Friday, February 2 with the championship game set for Saturday, February 3.
Here is a look at the schedule for the Webster Winter Challenge:
Tuesday, January 30 (First Round)
Webster Groves vs. John Burroughs, 4 p.m.
Rock Bridge vs. Cor Jesu, 5:30 p.m.
Cardinal Ritter vs. St. Joseph’s, 7 p.m.
Incarnate Word vs. Pattonville, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, February 2
Semifinals, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 3
Seventh Place, noon
Fifth Place, 1:30 p.m.
Third Place, 3 p.m.
Championship, 4:30 p.m.
