CBC takes aim at Patriots after upsetting Chaminade

When drawing up a game plan to take on CBC, Parkway South coach Mitch Stevens knows there are a lot of factors to consider.

“They have some interesting challenges,” Stevens said. “They have a big guy, a great shooter and two slashers. There are a lot weapons.”

The Cadets and the Patriots will tip off tonight at 7:45 p.m. at UMSL in a Class 5 sectional with the winner advancing to Saturday’s quarterfinal where it will face either Jackson or Webster Groves back at UMSL.

CBC (20-8) is coming off a big 56-46 win over defending state champion Chaminade in its district final. The Patriots (19-9) held off Lafayette 57-50 to advance to sectionals.

Parkway South has plenty in its arsenal as well.

Kevin and Scott Pohle are averaging 13 and 12 points apiece. Alex Johnston, who had a big game in the district finale, also averages in double figures while Chris Meador is right at nine points a game.

The Patriots can get hot and dangerous beyond the 3-point arc. Scott Pohle and Chris Meador have both sunk 35 three-pointers on the season while Johnston has drained 22.

“They have a couple of really good perimeter shooters,” CBC coach Bob McCormack said. “They play tough defense but we think our strength of schedule has prepared us.”

The Cadets have a dominant post player in 6-foot-10 Ryan Pierson. The senior is averaging around 16 points a game and eight rebounds.

“We hope Ryan’s size comes in to play,” McCormack said. “We expect him to do what he’s done all season.”

Senior Cory McArthy is as dangerous as it comes on the perimeter. He’s drained 71 three-pointers on the season.

“We’re going to have to make sure we have a guy where Cory is,” Stevens said. “But, at the same time, we have to be mindful of Pierson. He has turned into a real nice player. We can’t lose track of the other guys.”

Guards Seth Jackson (13 points per game) and Darion Rackley (11 ppg) leave little room for error when it comes to defending the Cadets.

Stevens feels the game will come down to three things; how the Patriots rebound against their size, making the most of their scoring opportunities and defending CBC’s versatility.

“We’re feeling pretty good,” Stevens said. “We’re happy to still be playing but our mission isn’t complete.”

McCormick thinks the game will come down to simple execution.

“There’s no magic to it,” he said. “It’s time to get back to work. There are just 16 teams left and we know we will be ready.”

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