Please note Webster Groves at Sikeston has moved to 2 PM Saturday due to impending severe weather in SEMO (wise decision given what evacuating a packed gym presents during a Tornado Warning or Emergency). As of this post the other three play tonight with Westminster tipping at 5:30 PM and the other two at 6 PM.
Webster Groves at Sikeston: Both are strong C5 title contenders who play top schedules. The Statesmen's signature win (by far even given who they play overall) is Chaminade by a single point. They also downed a very solid Westminster covered in the next game. Sikeston, as mentioned before, is one of those very dangerous year-after-early-exit teams and them hosting (where they are unbeaten and all but one win was by double digits +) should be the difference maker here but make no mistake this one could swing either way easily. I will go Sikeston by 3.
McCluer North at Westminster Christian Academy: First of four privates alive in this class are the hosts who should prevail here by double digits. Their win over now C3 champion Principia (only loss of 2024-5) really stands out as does their schedule never mind also hosting. Let's see if weather alters this start time/date, though. Give me the hosts by mid-teens.
Helias Catholic at Springfield Parkview: These two hooked up way back in early December as the Crusaders were coming fresh off a C5 FB title game appearance so I would say basically toss that one BUT it does give the now red hot (have won 13 in a row) Helias Catholic squad a smidge of a psychological advantage in what otherwise looks like an impossible one to pick (I say ad nauseam watch those dreaded blowout rematches especially in any sport's postseason). I will go HC by 4.
Pembroke Hill at Summit Christian Academy: Last year the publics ruled the KC metro in this class that has flipped this year and these two, frankly, are the best squads over this way. This one is another regular season blowout rematch which favored SCA at home and could, based on what I saw in person here in KMO last Monday evening, easily flip as the Raiders are playing by far their best, most consistent BB of the season at the right time. All that aside Summit has been among the most consistent winners in this Metro all season and have double digited many good teams. Early pace and shooting (watch 24 for Pembroke he was on absolute fire Monday vs. favored Tonka) are likely to determine this one. Much as I want to go another Pem upset have to stick to form will take SCA by 6.
Webster Groves at Sikeston: Both are strong C5 title contenders who play top schedules. The Statesmen's signature win (by far even given who they play overall) is Chaminade by a single point. They also downed a very solid Westminster covered in the next game. Sikeston, as mentioned before, is one of those very dangerous year-after-early-exit teams and them hosting (where they are unbeaten and all but one win was by double digits +) should be the difference maker here but make no mistake this one could swing either way easily. I will go Sikeston by 3.
McCluer North at Westminster Christian Academy: First of four privates alive in this class are the hosts who should prevail here by double digits. Their win over now C3 champion Principia (only loss of 2024-5) really stands out as does their schedule never mind also hosting. Let's see if weather alters this start time/date, though. Give me the hosts by mid-teens.
Helias Catholic at Springfield Parkview: These two hooked up way back in early December as the Crusaders were coming fresh off a C5 FB title game appearance so I would say basically toss that one BUT it does give the now red hot (have won 13 in a row) Helias Catholic squad a smidge of a psychological advantage in what otherwise looks like an impossible one to pick (I say ad nauseam watch those dreaded blowout rematches especially in any sport's postseason). I will go HC by 4.
Pembroke Hill at Summit Christian Academy: Last year the publics ruled the KC metro in this class that has flipped this year and these two, frankly, are the best squads over this way. This one is another regular season blowout rematch which favored SCA at home and could, based on what I saw in person here in KMO last Monday evening, easily flip as the Raiders are playing by far their best, most consistent BB of the season at the right time. All that aside Summit has been among the most consistent winners in this Metro all season and have double digited many good teams. Early pace and shooting (watch 24 for Pembroke he was on absolute fire Monday vs. favored Tonka) are likely to determine this one. Much as I want to go another Pem upset have to stick to form will take SCA by 6.
