By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Rolla is one of the best Class 4 teams in the area, winners of four straight including Republic and St. James. But, their annual holiday tournament is no joke. This year’s field includes two of the best seniors in Missouri, Hogan Prep’s Damian Daniels and Pacific’s Cameron Van Leer.
Hogan Prep is No. 2 in Class 3 and their two losses came to defending Kansas 6A state champ Blue Valley Northwest and Class 5 No. 9 Park Hill South. Both teams have Division One talent, as does Hogan Prep. The Rams are led by Abilene Christian recruit Damian Daniels (19 points, 4.1 assists, 2.6 steals). Prep isn’t very big, but they cause matchup problems because of how many guys can effectively attack the rim.
Pacific is 6-2 with wins over Class 5 Kickapoo and Normandy. Van Leer, the younger brother of Mizzou guard Cullen Van Leer, leads the team with 21.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He’s scored at least 20 points in seven of his eight games this season.
On the girls’ side you have to love the locals.
Waynesville and Licking seem poised to meet in the semifinals.
The Lady Tigers have a win over Republic, lost to Nixa by eight and took undefeated Sullivan to overtime. Licking is unbeaten and ranked No. 4 in Class 3 with sophomore guard Karlee Holland killing it with 22.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The Lady Wildcats resume includes a win over Fatima.
