Preview: Class 3 State Quarterfinals (Predictions)

Prep Girls Hoops Missouri takes a look at the Class 3 state quarterfinals, which will be held today around the state. The winners will advance to the Final Four of the state tournament, which will be held at the JQH Arena, on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. Here is a look at the four games along with our fearless predictions: Saxony Lutheran (18-11) vs. Licking (23-6) at Farmington, 1 p.m. - This is a rematch of last year’s state quarterfinal game, which was won by Licking 65-57. The Wildcats are led by 2020 guard [player_tooltip player_id="106822" first="Karlee" last="Holland"], who averages 20 points a game and 5’10" 2023 forward Abbie Sullins. Saxony Lutheran features a tremendous bucket-getter in 2020 guard Emma Brune, who attacks the basket relentlessly. She is averaging 27 points in the last two postseason game. (Prediction: Licking) Macon (23-4) vs. Maryville (21-5) at Blue Springs, 1 p.m. - The Macon Lady Tigerettes feature a very young and talented backcourt combo in 2022’s Alexis Miller and Shelby Petre. Both are capable of putting up big numbers at the same time. Maryville features an excellent talent in 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="106868" first="Serena" last="Sundell"], who has already received Division I scholarship offers. The Lady Hounds also have some young talent in 2023s Anastyn Pettlon and Rylee Viethaler (Prediction: Maryville) Whitfield (25-5) vs. Lutheran-St. Charles (24-4) at Normandy, noon - Whitfield is looking to get back to the Final Four after making consecutive trips in 2017 and 2018. The Warriors have a talented and balanced group with 2020 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id="106848" first="Jade" last="Moore"], 2021 point guard Kelsey Blakemore and talented 2023 players [player_tooltip player_id="107015" first="Brooklyn" last="Rhodes"] and [player_tooltip player_id="107018" first="Tkiyah" last="Nelson"]. Lutheran-St. Charles has enjoyed excellent success over the years and they are back in the mix once again. The Cougars have a solid group with sisters Jada and Maya Lindesmith along 5’10" 2020 forward Jenna Grzeskowiak. (Prediction: Whitfield) Southern Boone (24-4) vs. Strafford (27-3) at Southwest Baptist, 6 p.m. - Four-time state Strafford is back in the mix and chasing a fifth state title. The Indians have a strong group with 2020 forward [player_tooltip player_id="106835" first="Logan" last="Jones"], 2020 guard Mica Chadwell, 2022 guard Emma Compton and 2022 guard Emma Mullings. Southern Boone has a very well-balanced group that came through a strong Mid-Missouri district. 2020 guard Gabbie Bruce is the only player that averages in double figures, but there are several others players who can score, including 5’7" 2021 guard Trinity Schupp, 2020 point guard Lexi Ussery and 2021 guard Mia Crow. (Prediction: Strafford)