Kirkwood vs. Kickapoo, Friday, 7:40 PM
Vashon vs. Rockhurst, Friday, 9:15 PM

KIRKWOOD— The Pioneers are making their first trip to the final four since 1979 and their first playoff appearance since 2000. KHS knocked off defending champs, Poplar Bluff, in the sectionals.

Head coach: Randy Kriewall (141-93)
Record: 22-5
Current winning streak: 10
Semifinal appearances: 7
State titles: 0
Sectionals: 59-51, Poplar Bluff
Quarterfinals: 46-35, DeSmet
Leaders
•Scoring: Bill Brandenberg, 13.1 ppg
•Rebounds: Bill Brandenberg, 7.1 rpg
•Assists: Jeremy Maclin, 4.04 apg

KICKAPOO – The Chiefs are quite familiar with the road to Columbia, as they make their third trip to the MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown in the last four years. Last year, they lost to Vashon in the semifinals and beat Rockhurst to win the consolation game.

Head coach: Roy Green (517-218)
Record: 26-4
Current winning streak: 11
Semifinal appearances: 4
State titles: 1 (2003)
Sectionals: 86-74, Springfield Glendale
Quarterfinals: 55-49, Troy Buchanan
Leaders
•Scoring: Kyle Kirk, 18.2 ppg, Tyler Richardson 15.4 ppg
•Rebounds: Alex Bernskoetter, 7.5 rpg, Kyle Kirk, 6.8 rpg
•Assists: Kyle Kirk, 6 apg

VASHON – The Wolverines will be vying for their unprecedented 11th state championship. They were ranked #1 in the nation last year, when they lost to Tyler Hansbrough and Poplar Bluff in the 2005 Class 5 championship. They’ve advanced to the final four in 10 of the last 12 years and have missed the playoffs only once since 1982.

Head coach: Floyd Irons (800-171)
Record: 25-2
Current winning streak: 7
Semifinal appearances: 21
State titles: 10 (1971, ’83,’85, ’86, ’88, ’94, 2000, ’01, ’02, ’04)
Sectionals: 69-60, Hazelwood Central
Quarterfinals: 71-42, Vianney
Leaders
•Scoring: Leon Powell, 14.1 ppg, Bobby Hill 13.6 ppg
•Rebounds: Bobby Hill, 8.4 rpg, Leon Powell, 8.0 rpg
•Assists: James Washington 5.8 apg

ROCKHURST – The Hawklets are making their second straight trip to the final four and their ninth overall. Head coach Mark Nusbaum is in his seventh year and this will be his third trip to the final four since taking over in 99-00. He won the 1998 Class 4A Championship at Liberty.

Head coach: Mark Nusbaum (431-218)
Record: 26-3
Current winning streak: 10
Semifinal appearances: 9
State titles: 3 (1932, ’87, ’89)
Sectionals: 48-36, Oak Park
Quarterfinals: 59-57, Lee’s Summit North
Leaders
•Scoring: Conner Teahan, 17.9 ppg
•Rebounds: Alex Potts, 5.7 rpg, Conner Teahan, 5.5 rpg
•Assists: Philip Stozier, 6.5 apg