Incarnate Word and CBC moved on to the Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 6 title game with convincing victories over local rivals in the semifinals Thursday at JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo. In their semifinal matchups, the local Class 4 and 5 teams will begin their quest for the hardware Friday.
Here is this week’s Friday Fast Break on Scoops with Danny Mac!
IWA raced out to an early lead and never looked back as the Red Knights defeated MWAA rival St. Joseph’s Academy 71-23 to move on to the title game Friday at 2 p.m. against Kickapoo. IWA scored the first 18 points of the contest over the opening five minutes of play to take control of the game. Saniah Tyler led the IWA attack with 11 points while Natalie Pots, Olivia Hahn, and Kaylynn Janes all chipped in with nine markers for the Red Knights, searching for their fifth consecutive state championship. Zoe Stewart paced the Angels with nine points as St. Joe’s will play Blue Springs South in the third-place game Friday.
Photo Courtesy of Cheap Seats Photography
CBC won their 12th straight game as the Cadets defeated MCC rival Chaminade 70-52 in the Class 6 semifinal Thursday afternoon. CBC will now look for its first title since 2014 as the Cadets will take on Nixa in the title game Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. After a tight first half in which CBC took a 24-22 lead into the locker room, the Cadets offense got on track as CBC outscored the Red Devils 25-13 in the third stanza to take control of the contest. Robert Martin continued to impress as he led the Cadets with 29 points while Larry Hughes Jr. added 13 in the victory. Nate Straughter paced Chaminade with 24 points with BJ Ward chipping in with 11 markers in the loss. The Red Devils will play Staley in the third-place game Friday afternoon.
The action continues with the Class 4 and Class 5 semifinals starting Friday as Webster Groves and Whitfield open play at 10 a.m. in JQH Arena. The winner will take on the winner of Smithville and West Plains Saturday in the Class 5 girls’ title game set to begin at 2 p.m. The loser will play in the third-place game at 10 a.m. The Warriors defeated the Statesmen in the second game of the season 46-41 and are currently on a 15-game winning streak while Webster Groves has won nine of their last 10 games.
In Class 4 girls’ semifinal play, John Burroughs looks to advance to the title game as they take on St. James at 2 p.m. in Hammons Student Center Friday afternoon. The winner will play the victor of the Benton and Helias match-up Saturday at 6 p.m. in JQH Arena. This is the first time the Bombers are playing in the state semifinals since 2003 as they have won their last 15 games.
In Class 5 boys’ action, Webster Groves will look to make it to the title game for the first time since 2018 as the Statesmen take on two-time defending champion Cardinal Ritter Friday at 6 p.m. in JQH Arena. This is only the second time that the two teams have played each other with Webster Groves defeating the Lions 73-60 back in 2018. The winner will take on the winner of the Springfield Catholic and Helias game Saturday at 4 p.m.
In Class 4 semifinal play, Vashon takes on New Madrid County Friday at 6 p.m. in Hammons Student Center for a chance to defend their state title. This is the third time that the two teams have played with the Wolverines holding a 2-0 mark over the Eagles, which includes a 72-52 victory in last year’s quarterfinal. The winner will take on the winner of Pembroke Hill and Tolton Saturday at 8 p.m. in JQH Arena.
All the games can be viewed for a minimal cost at MSHSAA.tv.
Jim Powers has been covering prep sports in the St. Louis area for 15+ years and a part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship Broadcasts for the past 11 years. Powers is also a part of the Fox 2 Verlo Mattress Prep Zone Friday nights at 10:10 during the football and basketball seasons. If you have a prep sports story, please contact Jim at japowers2421@yahoo.com. Follow Jim at @hssportscaravan
