Jefferson City – Holiday Hoops Classic – Preview

Here PGH Missouri takes a look at the traditional Holiday Hoops Classic, hosted by Jefferson City. Due to the ongoing covid impact, this year’s tournament will have only four teams participating. This year’s participates are Jefferson City, Blair Oaks, Helias Catholic, and Hickman. Even with the limit to teams, there is still a ton of talent worth mentioning. <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Blair Oaks</span></strong></em></p> Blair Oaks features Baily Rissmiller, a 5’5" combo guard that plays with great energy on both ends of the floor. She is very crafty around the basket and has a nice mid-range floater game. PGH ranked #84, [player_tooltip player_id="107998" first="Mallory" last="Fick"] has continued to improve her all-around game and shoots it well from the three. She is very active on the boards and defensively. Look for Blair Oaks to run an efficient offense and contain their opponent on defense. When the Lady Falcons shoot the rock well they are a very solid team! <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Helias Catholic<img class="wp-image-240989 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/12/Lindsey-Byers-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="122" height="184" /></span></strong></em></p> The Lady Crusaders come into the Holiday Classic undefeated at 6-0 and one of the top teams in Missouri Class 5A. Leading the way for Helias is Missouri State signee and PGH #32 Ranked player in 2021 class small forward Linsey Beyers. Alongside Lindsey is Sullivan tourney MVP Kylie Bernskoetter and rising 2024 star Ada Koelling, who is the #4 Ranked player in the 2024 class here in Missouri. Ada Koelling is averaging right at a double-double so far this season. With [player_tooltip player_id="170615" first="Mikah" last="Edwards"] handling the rock and being an outstanding shooter from three with deep range, Helias can score in a variety of ways inside and out and will be a tough matchup in the tournament. They are also solid on defense with their ability to play different styles and with all the athletes they have up and down the roster. <img class=" wp-image-240990 alignnone" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/12/Ada-Koelling-169x300.jpg" alt="" width="106" height="188" /> <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hickman</span></em></strong></p> The Lady Kewpies are a very young team but still very talented. PGH #69 Ranked player [player_tooltip player_id="107997" first="Sophia" last="Elfrink"] transferring in and leading them in both scoring and rebounding. Alongside Sophia is super sophomore and PGH #18 Ranked player [player_tooltip player_id="170604" first="Ella" last="Rogers"], who continues to improve and shows flashes of brilliance in her all-around play. Hickman will also get back the services of 5’11" freshman [player_tooltip player_id="194421" first="Ashtyn" last="Klusmeyer"]. They boast a big front line with a 6-2 center and 5’11" small/power forwards. If the Lady Kewpies can handle pressure well, they will be a formidable opponent who can get up and the down the floor playing in transition. <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jefferson City</span></em></strong></p> The Lady Jays are off to a solid start at 6-1. Even though they have not been at full strength, they have enough talent to compete at a high <img class=" wp-image-240991 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/12/Hannah-Linthacum-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="148" height="197" />level. Returning for the Lady Jays is PGH #3 Ranked player [player_tooltip player_id="107014" first="Hannah" last="Linthacum"]. The twin towers of PGH #2 Ranked player [player_tooltip player_id="162524" first="Sarah" last="Linthacum"] and PGH #10 Ranked player [player_tooltip player_id="106886" first="Kara" last="Daly"] both are holding things down each averaging a double-double. PGH #20 Ranked player and Drake University signee [player_tooltip player_id="106865" first="Hannah" last="Nilges"] has stepped up her play running the point and moving off the ball playing shooting guard. One of the early season surprises has been the stellar play of 2021 Kathryn Craighead. Once the Lady Jays and 100% healthy, look for them to be a force in Class 6A and the <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Holiday Hoops tournament favorites.</span> <img class="alignnone wp-image-240992" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/12/sarah-linthacum.jpg" alt="" width="285" height="190" />