Preview: Class 2 Final Four

Prep Girls Hoops Missouri take a look at the Class 2 Final Four, which will be held this weekend at the JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. There is a whole new set of teams from last year’s Final Four group. Here is a look at the four teams along with our fearless predictions. <h4>Friday, March 13 (Quarterfinals)</h4> Oran (25-3) vs. East Buchanan (27-3), 2:40 p.m. -  Oran advanced to the Final Four with a 41-40 over defending state champion Thayer. They were led by standout Katie Webb, who scored 22 points in that quarterfinal victory. Guard Taylow Lowes also added three 3-pointers to the cause. The Eagles also get contributions from the likes of Kaylee Payne, Gracie Davis and Traci Henry. East Buchanan has been impressive in the postseason, with a victory over undefeated Wellington-Napoleon in the sectionals and a double-digit win over Miller in the quarterfinals. The Bulldogs have a group of very good young players on hand with 2023s Gracie Keley and Maya Watkins playing big roles with sharpshooter Lillian Schilling and Audrey Elifrits in the mix. (Prediction: East Buchanan) &nbsp; Tipton (25-5) vs. Blue Eye (27-4), 4:30 p.m. Tipton is making its first Final Four appearance and the Lady Cardinals have some firepower in the backcourt in 5’6" 2020 [player_tooltip player_id="106825" first="Abby" last="Backes"] and 2023 Myra Claas. Backes is averaging 25 points a game while Claas scored 23 points in the state quarterfinals last weekend. 2020 forward Alexa Jurgesmeyer is an athletic player who excels on both ends of the court. Blue Eye had an impressive 60-46 victory over Mansfield to advance to the Final Four. The dynamic duo 5’6" 2020 guard Kohnnar Patton and 5’7" 2022 Avery Arnold led the way in the victory as both scored 17 points. Patton is an all-stater who is headed to Evangel while Arnold is an excellent perimeter shooter. (Prediction: Blue Eye) &nbsp; <h4>Friday, March 14</h4> Third Place, 11 a.m. (Prediction: Tipton over Oran) Championship Game, 6:20 p.m. (Prediction: East Buchanan over Blue Eye)