Preview: Class 5 Sectionals (Predictions)

Prep Girls Hoops Missouri takes a look at the upcoming Class 5 sectionals, which will take place on Wednesday night. The starting time for the sectional games is 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Here is a preview of those eight sectional games along with our fearless predictions: Poplar Bluff (19-8) vs. Cor Jesu (15-13) at Jefferson County: The Mules are in the sectionals behind the talents of 2020 standout [player_tooltip player_id="106811" first="Kiley" last="Bess"], a 2000-point career scorer who is headed to Saint Louis University. Fellow senior Hanna Bass came through with some big 3-point shooting in the district championship win over Jackson. Cor Jesu defeated Oakville by one point in the district finals. The Chargers feature a potent pair of 2021 guards in Mallory Ronhausen and Addison Erusha, who combine to average 28 points a game. (Prediction: Poplar Bluff) Marquette (17-9) vs. Kirkwood (22-5) at Lindenwood University: This is a rematch of the semifinals of the Lindbergh Tournament, which was won by Kirkwood 37-32. The Pioneers have excellent size and length, led by versatile 6’0" 2020 [player_tooltip player_id="106824" first="Natalie" last="Bruns"], along with 5’11" 2020 Rylee Mulvaney and 5’11" 2022" forward Tara Benham. Marquette has good size of its own with 5’11" 2021 Kennedi Watkins leading the way. 2022 Ally Fitzgerald provides size at 6’1" along with 5’11" 2021 Emma Morrow. Running the offense is 5’6" 2023 guard Taryn Blevins. (Prediction: Kirkwood) Lee’s Summit West (18-7) vs. Blue Springs (xx) at Independence Civic Center, 4:45 p.m. - This will be the third meeting between the two teams with Lee’s Summit West winning both games. The Titans are led by three double-figure scorers in 5’7" 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="108031" first="Tasia" last="Johnson"], 5’9" 2020 [player_tooltip player_id="149703" first="Charli" last="Ritchey"] and 2021 Brooke Ellis. Blue Springs is led by 2020 Aliyah Bello and stellar 2023 guard [player_tooltip player_id="143418" first="Jada" last="Williams"]. (Prediction: Blue Springs) Liberty (26-0) vs. St. Joe Central (16-11) at Independence Civic Center, 6:30 p.m. - Liberty grinded out a tough victory over rival Liberty North to advance to the sectionals. The undefeated Bluejays are lead by 2020 forward Jillian Fleming, along with 2020 guard Olivia Nelson, the leading scorer and Mary Mason. St. Joe Central is big and young with 6’0" 2023s Charlie Broaden and Teegan Broaden, 5’10" 2022 Ella Moody and 6’2" 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="106882" first="Lauren" last="Eiman"]. (Prediction: Liberty) Hazelwood Central (18-9) vs. Parkway Central (16-11) at St. Charles West: The two teams met at the Visitation Tournament, which was won by Hazelwood Central 59-54. Parkway Central has plenty of size while Hazelwood Central has quickness. Parkway is paced by 6’3" 2020 forward [player_tooltip player_id="106808" first="Jayla" last="Kelly"], 6’0" 2020 forward Claudia Cooke and 5’11" 2020 Brooke Hilton. The Hawks are led by 5’10" 2020 forward Jakayla Kirk along with quick guards Nariyah Simmons and Sidney Dukes. (Prediction: Hazelwood Central) <span style="font-size: 1rem">Fort Zumwalt West (14-13) vs. Troy (18-10) at Fort Zumwalt East: It is the third meeting of these conference rivals with Troy winning both meetings. Troy is led by 5’10" 2020 forward Mackenzie Caldwell, 5’9" 2020 forward [player_tooltip player_id="106854" first="Olivia" last="Mennemeyer"], 5’7" 2022 guard Maggie Illig and 5’2" 2021 guard Makenna DeClue. Fort Zumwalt West pulled off a big victory over a good Howell Central team in the districts. West has good size in 6’1" 2020 [player_tooltip player_id="106839" first="Brooklyn" last="Palmer"], 5’11" 2020 Lillie Pickett and 6’2" 2021 Madison Wedert.  (Prediction: Troy)</span> Rock Bridge (20-5) vs. Ozark (22-6) at Camdenton: Perennial state power Rock Bridge got past Jefferson City in a huge district championship showdown in Mid-Mo to advance. The Bruins have excellent guard play with 2022 Mizzou commit [player_tooltip player_id="107958" first="Averi" last="Kroenke"], 2020 point guard Sanaa St. Andre, 2020 [player_tooltip player_id="106821" first="Eryn" last="Puett"] along with 6’4" 2022 forward K.K. Brodie. Ozark enjoyed a big victory over Lebanon at the districts. The Tigers feature a pair of excellent guards in 2020’s [player_tooltip player_id="106837" first="Olivia" last="Hanks"] and [player_tooltip player_id="106832" first="Madi" last="Braden"]. Both can really shoot the ball. (Prediction: Rock Bridge) Kickapoo (18-10) vs. Republic (19-9) at Webb City: The two teams met in this same sectional round last year with Republic winning and advancing. Republic also won the meeting earlier this season 55-51. Republic features a group of excellent 3-point shooters, which include 2023 guard [player_tooltip player_id="107017" first="Kaemyn" last="Bekemeier"] and Jade and Jazzy Kirby. Kickapoo has good size up front, led by 6’0" 2021 forward [player_tooltip player_id="106878" first="Indya" last="Green"] along with underclassmen [player_tooltip player_id="106879" first="Chloe" last="Merced"] and Macie Conway. (Prediction: Republic)