There are many beautiful high school basketball venues around the St. Louis metropolitan area.
In my opinion, there is still no better place to watch a basketball game than historic Viking Hall at Normandy High School. It feels more like watching a game in a theater than a gymnasium, with the spotlight cast on the floor and the players.
Viking Hall was the setting for the Annual High School Hoops Basketball Showcase, held last Saturday on Valentine’s Day. The four-game event was presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.
The marquee matchup featured Vashon and Webster Groves, two of the most successful prep programs in the state. Vashon has won five consecutive Class 4 state championships, while Webster Groves has captured four state titles in the past seven years. Both teams claimed championships last season, with Vashon winning Class 4 and Webster Groves taking Class 5.
On this night, the Wolverines seized control early and secured an impressive 72-59 victory over Webster Groves. Vashon’s big three — senior Kain McCaskill and juniors Jimmy McKinney III and Leon Powell Jr. — combined for 57 of the team’s 72 points. McCaskill led the Wolverines with 21 points. Powell added 19, and McKinney finished with 18.
Webster Groves was led by junior All-State guard Scottie Adkinson, who scored 27 points. Junior guard Jackson Tabash added 14 points, including four 3-pointers.
The first game of the showcase was a girls contest between Hazelwood Central and Lutheran North. Central improved to 17-6 with a 44-40 victory. The Hawks feature one of the area’s top guards in senior Camirah Foster.
In the second game, Lift for Life defeated University City 69-57. Lift for Life’s roster is loaded with talented freshmen and sophomores, suggesting a bright future.
In the third game, Lutheran North defeated host Normandy 56-44. Head coach Dwayne Polk has the Crusaders trending upward in his second season.
Small-school district playoffs begin next week
District playoffs for Missouri schools begin next week in Classes 1-3. Defending Class 3 state champion Principia opens its title defense by hosting the District 5 tournament. The Panthers are heavy favorites to repeat and will enter postseason play ranked No. 1 in the latest Missouri Basketball Coaches Association poll.
The Principia girls are also among the leading Class 3 contenders. They are the top seed in the District 5 tournament and are seeking their first state title after runner-up finishes in 2024 and 2025.
Miller Career Academy will host the Class 3 District 4 tournament. Miller Career Academy features one of the area’s top scorers in senior guard C.J. Nelson. The Phoenix moved down to Class 3 after competing for many years in Class 4.
District playoff brackets are available at www.mshsaa.org
Mariah Coleman enjoys career night
Senior guard Mariah Coleman of McCluer High School delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in the St. Louis area this season.
The 5-foot-8 Coleman scored a career-high 52 points in the Comets’ 62-52 victory over Jennings last Thursday. The performance came on Senior Night at McCluer.
Coleman is averaging more than 22 points per game this season. Prior to her 52-point outburst, she scored 35 points against Metro Academic and Classical High School, 32 against McCluer North, 29 against Affton and 28 against Pattonville.