TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Cabool Tournament (B)
Day 1 schedule (Dec. 26)
(1) Thayer vs. (16) Summersville, 9 a.m.
(8) Gainesville vs. (9) Couch, 10:30 a.m.
(4) Licking vs. (13) Houston, 12 p.m.
(5) Liberty vs. (12) Alton, 1:30 p.m.
(2) Dora vs. (15) Norwood, 3 p.m.
(7) Winona vs. (10) Crocker, 4:30 p.m.
(3) Eminence vs. (14) Cabool, 6 p.m.
(6) Plato vs. (11) Chadwick, 7:30 p.m.
Players to Watch
Drew Clary, 5’10, G, 2020, Alton
Cain Crouch, 6’0, G, 2018, Plato
Ethan Drake, 6’1, G, 2018, Eminence
Isaac Haney, 5’9, PG, 2021, Dora
Andrew Holden, 6’4, F/G, 2019, Liberty
Bryson Luna, 5’10, G, 2021, Dora
Mason Luna, 5’10, G, 2021, Dora
Trent McBride, 6’7, PF, 2019, Eminence
GT Nicholson, 6’6, F, 2019, Licking
Ayden Stone, 6’5, PF, 2019, Thayer
Shalin Stout, 6’7, PF, 2018, Liberty
Grady Todd, 6’3, F, 2020, Plato
Thayer Bobcats the favorite
Team is seeded first and are off to a big start this season, opening 7-0. They have a deep and balanced attack with several talented players in the varsity rotation, including Ayden Stone, a physical and skilled post player and a strong rebounder, as well as Dagen Jones, Jalen Andrews and others.
Liberty vs. Licking
If it happens … this second round match-up between Frisco League and SCA contenders and battle between teams who have good interior players could be a thrilling contest. Licking is led by G.T. Nicholson, a skilled and athletic 6’6 2019 forward. Team has a big game scheduled for tonight against Hartville. Liberty is long, athletic and quick, and likes to play up tempo. Team has good depth with several players averaging between 10 and 15 points per game.
Plato Eagles a pontential contender
Seeded sixth, Plato is off to a 6-1 start this season and have a winnable game on tap today at Houston. They have the size inside to hang with the big boys in this tournament and could make a run. Its only loss this season was a five-point defeat to No. 4 seeded Licking. The Eagles have been led by 6’3 2020 forward Grady Todd, who is averaging nearly 20 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and 2018 guard Cain Crouch, who is averaging 17.6 points. They have a balanced attack with two others players averaging in double figures as well.
Good first-round match-up between Nos. 8-9 seeds
A senior-laden team, Couch started the season 4-0 but suffered a big loss to Dora in its most recent contest. Couch is seeded fifth but likely could have claimed a higher seed after winning the Mammoth Springs Tournament. The Indians has four senior starters averaging between 10 and 14.3 points per game, led by Colby Peterson, a 6’1 point guard. Its fifth-leading scorer is freshman Kayson Cora, a 6’2 forward. Gainesville has quietly put together a 6-1 record and has a big game today against Thayer in Memphis. The Bulldogs only loss came at the hands of Mansfield as part of the Mansfield Tournament.
Potential Dora-Eminence match-up
The future is now for a young Dora team which features several talented freshman, including point guard Isaac Haney and the Luna triplets. The game against Eminence could be a preview of things to come as those two squads could meet in the Class 1 sectionals. Eminence is a strong, physical team that gets all over the offensive glass. They are led by 6’7 2019 forward Trent McBride, a skilled big man with the ability to score in the post or take his game to the perimeter. This game, if it happens, will definitely be a contrast in style.
Alton Comets Hoping to make their mark
Team has gone through a bit of a rough stretch as its lone senior, Devin Clary, is out with a concussion, while three others are out with the flu. The team will face Willow Springs today, who has senior standout Bryce Duddridge back into the line-up. When healthy, Alton is a young team with potential that features 2020 standout Drew Clary, as well as 2020 forward Ely King, averaging 11 points, and 2020 guard Andy Morrison, averaging 10 points.
