Helias, Central, Sullivan in
St. James Academy, Ozark, Nixa out.
Other teams there last year, Catholic, Lebanon, Carl Junction, Cape Notre Dame and Duchesne.
Newcomers
Sullivan won 19 games, and return a lot just looking at their roster. Not real impressed with the schedule they play though. So can't really give much insight there.
Central was poised for a big season, but have lost a lot in the offseason. They were 9-18 last year and they have some guys back, but they suffered a lot of departures in the offseason.
Helias lost some really nice players, but they'll be back. I really like Landon Harrison, nice PG type that can play. I'm not sure they are a Final Four contender again, but they'll probably win 18-20.
Returning teams
CJ was 3-23 last year but has a nice soph in Trent Smith and perhaps some other guys coming back out for the team.
Lebanon was 6-20 last year, but have several transfers pending and might be fielding a whole new team with the graduation of five seniors and four starters. Have nice player in Jack Ehrhardt and one of state's top freshmen in Quenton Shelton. They will be improved this year.
Catholic has a lot of young guys returning from team that was under .500 last year. Have a really nice soph class that played last year as freshmen.
Duchesne lost 2,000 point scorer Ryan Briscoe, now at Quincy. Not real sure what they have coming back.
Notre Dame was .500 last year, but have their top player, Blake Bauwens returning, as well as junior post Dawson Dohogne.
Departing teams
Ozark, will be pretty good this season. Juniors are really good and they play well together.
Nixa is the favorite in a top heavy COC, but they will have to earn it this year. The top four are actually pretty close IMO.
St. James is freaking loaded. They have three really good players in Will McKee, Zach Thornhill and Keenan Fitzmorris. Probably would have been the favorite to win the tournament if they had returned.
Overall
Tournament will still be decent, but it is taking a huge step back with the loss of those three teams IMO.
