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December 20, 2009
Basketball is in full swing now. Let's take a look at the teams who have jumped off to tournament championships, or maybe are unbeaten, some who have early impressive wins and some names that you should follow during the 2009-10 season.
The Branson Pirates (5-0) jump out immediately. Led by a highly successful, veteran coach, Randy Bishop in his 32nd year has his high flying team racing up and down the court while averaging over 85ppg! Winning the Forsythe Tournament for the 3rd straight year, Avery Dingman led the way. Dingman scored 46 points against Crane and 104 in the 3-game tournament. Dana Thomas is a strong part of the 1-2 Dingman-Thomas punch. Some observers though Branson would dip some this year with the graduation of Mike Wiebe and Tate Unruh. The strength of this program is demonstrated when one considers that Dingman and Thomas were little used reserves in the 08-09 Pirate edition. Very good Coaches, like Bishop, know how to develop x's & o's, know how to get good matchups, develop players and teams.
Around St. Louis, the buzz is all about Bradley Beal. This incredibly gifted Junior has already verbally committed to University of Florida. Leading the defending Class 5 Champion, Chaminade Red Devils(5-0) with a 26.0 average, he dictates the offense. The Pattonville Tournament Title has already been won by Chaminade.
The Nixa Eagles (5-0) are once again on the main stage as a State- level contender. Having won four of their five wins by double digit margins, the Eagles won the Republic tournament and are seeded #1 in the Blue Division of the Blue & Gold Tournament in Springfield, MO December 26-30.
On the smaller school level, Laquey (3-1) is playing without 6-5 Karl Huber. As a 6-9 Andre Hilbert has really elevated his play. His triple-double recently demonstrates his skill and versatility. Laquey's only loss was to Stoutland (5-0) in the Frisco League Finals. When Huber returns, this inside dynamic duo will be very tough to handle.
Winning the Vianney Tournament (again), Hazelwood Central (6-0) under coach Josh Martin is back again. Jordan Wilson and BJ Young are the early season scoring leaders for this team that always brings a bevy of talented athletes to the table.
Carthage knocked off Joplin in the championship game at Carthage 57-52. Less than a week later, as the schedule would have it, Joplin returned the favor with a 62-55 win over the Tigers on the Eagles home court. Derek Stokes dropped in 24 for Joplin in their rematch victory. Hey...nothing like that home cooking !
Year in and year out, it seems, St Francis Borgia fields a hot- shooting basketball team. Coach Dave Neier has the Knights at 5-0 in the early going. Nathan Scheer leads the scoring for this team that always seems to have plenty of shooters. Monday's game against Chaminade will have one of these teams tasting its first defeat.
Poplar Bluff upended Notre Dame-Cape 58-51 in semifinals of SEMO Conference Tournament. However, Jacob Tolbert, 6-7, ND is a name to watch during this season. He has several D-1 schools tracking him down. He scored 20 in this losing cause. Poplar Bluff had a balanced scoring attack with three players in double figures.
Coach Terry Hollander, St Charles West, has his Warriors in a familiar setting. The Warriors are 4-1 after a 48-45 win over Ft Zumwalt South in the title game of the St. Charles West Warrior Classic. Christian Kirk and Jeremy Percy are Mr. Inside and Mr Outside on the 09-10 Warrior edition. Listen to the replay of the championship game on www.prepcasts.com
The Clayton Greyhounds (6-1) are being led by Christian Thomas and DeVonte Bell (4th year Varsity player). Finishing 3rd place in the Vianney Tournament with a field of mostly Class 5 teams, the Greyhounds have rattled off three wins this week ! Last year going 23-5, the Hillsboro Hawks received little notice. Coach Chris O'Connell has the Hawks flying at 5-0 at this moment. This isn't anything new, last year Hillsboro opened up with 8 straight wins to start the season. Jarrod Huskey leads the team in scoring and rebounding during these first five games.
Another Suburban North team has to be mentioned. The McCluer North Stars (4-0) won the Troy Invitational over the Weekend by beating a very good Rock Bridge Bruin team 78-67. This was the 4th straight Troy title for the North Stars. Coach Randy Reed guided his team through many lead changes and ties throughout the game. Listen to the exciting replay with BJ Schulte & Earl Austin, JR. on www.prepcasts.com
On the Girls side of things, we have some of the usual powerhouses but, as always, a few new names are popping up.
The Herman Bearcasts (5-0) are being led again by Jr. Shelby Winkelmann's 29.6 average. Winners of the Montgomery County Tournament, Winkelmann will be a part of the Prepcasts Elite Girls Shootout II on Saturday, January 9 at CBC. If you haven't had a chance to see this high scoring player-check it out, Herman plays at 3:45pm that day.
The MWAA White Division has annually sent one or two teams to the Final Four. This year, three teams are still unblemished. Incarnate Word Academy (6-0) and St Joseph Academy (3-0) have both gone on the road to face stiff opposition and have remained unbeaten. Both these strong teams will also be part of the Prepcasts Shootout on Jan 9! Cor Jesu (5-0) won the Nerinx Hall Tournament with a thrilling 45-42 win over Visitation Acadmey. Meg Riley, averaging a double-double, and Liz Sinclair, general on the floor, led the Chargers in the exciting win . Listen to that replay on www.prepcasts.com .
Walnut Grove, a Final Four competitor recently, in the Fair Play Tournament with a buzzer-beater. Jessica Misner's 15 footer was the difference as Walnut Grove beat Humansville 52-50 in the title game. This team goes deep into their bench so look for them to continue improving as the mix-matching continues throughout 09-10.
A new name on the block is the Pacific Indians (5-0). Winning the Northwest Tournament as been followed by impressive wins over St. Francis Borgia and Jackson (generally two very strong programs). Leading the way for the Indians is Anna Vogt with her 28.2 average.
Webb City Cardinals (#2 in state last year) have raced off to a 4-0 start under Coach Brad Shorter. Leading the way for the Cards is Kaitlin Jaeger and Hailey Roderique. Many fans around the state are already looking forward to the Webb City-St Joe game in the Prepcasts Shootout on Jan 9.
Another familiar name to the winner's circle are the St James Tigers who are currently 4-0. Winners of the Potosi Tournament the Tigers are averaging 63ppg while allowing a meager 23 ppg ! A 40 point per game scoring difference .. WOW ! Rachel Connell is dropping in 15+ ppg in the early going.
Also sitting at 5-0 is the Eureka Lady Wildcats. Winning the Troy Invitational in the first week, Eureka has coasted to the next two wins. Allie Hill and Alex Hillyer are two key components of this team. Both average just under 10ppg, grab just over 6 rebounds a game, Hill leads the team in three shot baskets and Hillyer leads the team in blocks. ON Tuesday, Eureka will host Lindbergh (5-1) in what should be a great game. Listen to it on www.prepcasts.com
This week Prepcasts has a smorgasbord of choices for you. We have girls and boys basketball, wrestling with 2 basketball and the wrestling being video streamed. Check our schedule under This Week on Prepcasts ! Listen on www.prepcasts.com
For more good teams.....
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NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION&COLLEGE
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