810 Varsity weekly predicts the winners at an 83% clip the last four years. Here are predictions for this weekend's playoff games:
Kansas
Blue Valley North (6-2) vs Olathe North (8-1)
Olathe North sustained injuries in last week’s win over Blue Valley. Andy Sims has the talented Mustangs back to peaking at the right time – would be 3 trips to the 6A state final in 4 years if they win!
Winner: BV North
St. Thomas Aquinas (6-3) vs Mill Valley (7-2)
Going just gut instinct in that Aquinas kinda figuring things out, Tank is healthy. Mill Valley slightly overlooked De Soto in looking ahead. We’ve been waiting for this since last year’s semifinal OT win to MV.
Winner: St. Thomas Aquinas
Bishop Miege (5-4) at St. James Academy (6-4)
Don’t go against the streak. Title game #7 in a row for Jon Holmes and Miege.
Winner: Bishop Miege
MISSOURI
Raymore-Peculiar vs Liberty North
Eagles got off to an 0-2 start and have seemingly got better every week, not losing since. The winner likely will also have Willingham-Davis or Hawley atop the Player of the Year watch. Like Liberty North's toughness.
Winner: Liberty North
Grain Valley vs Platte County
Tough to go against the Pirates at Platte City. Could go to semis in consecutive years in Class 4, and now Class 5.
Winner: Platte County
Smithville at Grandview
Grandview has been the surprise team of the playoffs in the KC area - can they go another week? Meanwhile, could be the second trip to the Class 4 semis in three years for Smithville.
Winner: Smithville
Maryville vs Summit Christian
Gotta go with the perennial power here.
Winner: Maryville
Butler at St. Pius X
Man, what a turnaround. Coach of the year, and perhaps team of the year with the Warriors!
Winner: St. Pius X