Well softball didn't get their districts until two weeks ago and that was basically half way through their season. So I will not be shocked if districts don't come out until January, due to COVID.
Central Mo Teams To Watch
- Thread starter midmobasketballguy
- Start date
That's just laziness on MSHSAA's part if they wait until mid-January to release districts. They should have it set before seasons even start.
I am always ready to jump on the bash MSHSAA train, but when it comes to this they have no choice. There might be some schools start a season and then COVID could cause some to cancel winter sports, which will impact all classes and all districts. Most likely, they will wait as long as possible and they will be paying attention to news on the pandemic. If late December comes around and there are an uptick in cases and rumor that some of the local health departments are going to shut down sports, don't be shocked if you don't get a district release until mid to late January. Under normal years midmo is right, they have to wait to release until they know which schools are able/unable to field a team.
Everyone's rundown of Steelville seems pretty accurate. They seem to be very dedicated to what they do, and the discipline is something that makes them so good at what they do. They return everyone, as they were a team with no seniors during their district championship season a year ago. I'm not sure I'd question them athletically though, with an All-State Triple jumper, an all-state Hurdler, and an All-State High jumper in their line-up. I believe Coach Collins is just at the top of what he does and knows if other teams are struggling with their basic, why stretch anything when it isn't necessary. He's built a program based around this defense, and I don't think they've unleashed it's full potential in every game they played, I definitely think Collins experience and knowledge of this defense allows him to make adjustments and additions any time he sees fit.
Steelville's 1-3-1 is very tough. They probably have the most consistently successful 1-3-1 in the middle of the state and along I-44. That doesn't mean they're the best defense all the time, but they run it every year and every year they have success with it. As for this coming season, I would look out for Fatima's 1-3-1. I had the chance to see them a couple times over the summer and their 1-3-1 is really long and nasty. They will be district championship contenders regardless of who else is in their district.
Also, has anyone heard anything about Helias this year? They return the lefty that is committed to MO State, but apparently they have a stud Freshman or Sophomore. Anyone know anything?
Helias picked up two freshmen who will contribute immediately IF given the chance. An athletic guard/forward type and a nice long forward who is VERY offensively minded. They will have some growing pains as all freshmen do but I would expect them to be solid again.
I think Hoopsquad may be saying that Licking's use of the 1-3-1 influenced Steelville. I could be wrong. I do not know if Fatima will be bringing back their so-called "BUZZ". I have to think it will be just because I do not see another year of low scoring and walk the ball up for them as long as they are healthy.
Licking has had a lot of success with the 1-3-1 also, but I seem to remember them running multiple looks and variations more frequently than Steelville. Steelville throws you that 1-3-1 come hell or high water, so you better be ready for it. Licking has had lots of success, no matter what they're running. Both of them should be district championship contenders in class three again.
I like where this is going. Mohsbballfan getting us some preseason district title contenders.
Steelville, Licking, and Fatima. I would say I agree with Steelville and Licking. Not sure about Fatima. I do not see that as likely after last years struggles.
I have no idea who wil be in Fatima’s district but I can see them as a 1 or 2 seed going in. They are much improved and have a big strong line up.
Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Licking lose a lot from last years team? If they were to stay in the same district (which I am sure wont happen, but for arguments sake lets say they do). They would have to beat a St. James team that returns everything and adds some strong Freshmen, accompanied with some young sophomores who will be looking to contribute at the varsity level this year.
Does anyone know what Borgia will be like? They return Patke and Lackey who are both big, but they lost their two primary ball handlers. What did the knew recruiting class bring in?
Does anyone know what Borgia will be like? They return Patke and Lackey who are both big, but they lost their two primary ball handlers. What did the knew recruiting class bring in?
St. James will be a handful this year for everyone in the area if Wells can get them to play together. They are expecting big things in St. James from what I hear.
Similar threads
