Area Basketball Preps

During the fall, we are always bragging about the impressive showing made by Southeast Kansas schools in the state football tournament. Now it`s time to start boasting about the basketball players in this area. In typical fashion the boys from St. Mary`s Colgan are heading to the state finals. The Panthers, who won the state title most recently in 2000 will open up play in Manhattan on Thursday night. St. John-Hudson provides the opposition for Colgan who comes in to the quarterfinals carrying an impressive 22-1 record. Neodesha`s boys will open up play tomorrow night in the 3A tournament. These games will be played in Hutchinson at the community college. The Blue Streaks will face Beloit in what should be a competitive game at 8:15pm. The girls from Erie are also in Hutch for the 3A tourney but they will have to wait until Thursday to begin their quest for a state crown. The Lady Devils will meet a strong bunch from Smith Center in the late game at 8:15pm. Chanute`s boys are heading for Salina on Thursday for the Class 4A event. The Comets locking up with Chapman who comes in with a similar record, while the ladies from St. Paul begin the 1A tournament still undefeated. The Lady Indians play Thursday night in Hays against Grinnell. On the Missouri side, two Joplin private schools prevailing last night as they played their 3rd game in four nights. Thomas Jeffersons boys getting a huge night from senior center Erik Brown who nearly posted a triple double in a rout over Rich Hill. TJ is rewarded with yet another game. This one on the sectional level on Wednesday night in Bolivar against the state`s top ranked team from Morrisville. The ladies from McAuley are also riding high Tuesday following their win over Rich Hill on Monday night. The Lady Warriors are also coping with a labor intensive schedule right now following their 1st District Championship since 1979. What has already been a great season will get even better with a win on Wednesday night over Dadeville.