The 2024 MSHSAA District playoffs are set to start tomorrow, May 10th, for Classes 1-through-4, with the Class 5 and Class 6 bracket kicking off next week. From now until then, teams across the state will compete for an opportunity to capture a District crown and punch their ticket to Sectionals, and ultimately a spot in Ozark. 

Over the next few days, our staff will be previewing each District for Class 5 and Class 6. Here are the Districts we have previewed so far: 

+ Class 6, District 8
+ Class 6, District 7
+ Class 6, District 6
+ Class 6, District 5

Below you’ll learn more about Class 6, District 4 and its outlook with the playoffs set to start next week.

+ Francis Howell (26-10) served as one of the top teams in the state the entire spring and the Vikings will enter District play as the top seed in this grouping. You could match their strength of schedule up with anyone in Missouri, as the Vikings played several of the top teams in the state, as well as out of state. They won two conference games against Fort Zumwalt West, beat Seckman twice, and took down Rock Bridge twice. The Vikings also have wins over CBC, Blue Springs South, Blair Oaks, Willard, and SLUH. Pitching is the strength of this club, with a stockade of high level arms at head coach Tony Perkins’ disposal. How their offense performs down the stretch and executes the little aspects of the game will ultimately be the deciding factor of this club, but the ingredients are there for Francis Howell to cook up a trip back to Ozark once again. 

+ Another staple at the top of our ‘Large School’ rankings throughout the spring, Fort Zumwalt West (27-9) is the second seed in this District. Like their GAC counterparts, the Jaguars also played one of the more challenging schedules in the state this spring. They won the Troy Tournament, the Midwest Classic, and the Columbia Tournament in 2024, beating some of the top teams in Missouri en route to those accomplishments. The Jaguars took down rival Francis Howell twice, with notable wins over Jackson, Lindbergh, Lafayette, Vianney, CBC, Staley, Southern Boone, Fort Zumwalt South, and St. Dominic on their resume. They’re a scrappy, well coached group that consistently does the little things right and doesn’t beat themselves, making them a tough draw for anyone that lines up on the other side of the diamond. Fort Zumwalt West will look to make it to the District championship game for the fourth straight year. 

+ Francis Howell Central (18-15-1) is another up-beat, competitive club that has a handful of impressive wins this year and earns the third seed in this District. The Spartans have beaten both Francis Howell and Fort Zumwalt West in conference play, with other victories against Fort Zumwalt South, Kirkwood, Lafayette, and Liberty (Wentzville) on the year. Francis Howell Central is a program that is strong year-over-year and they’ll look to keep playing quality ball with the playoffs rapidly approaching. 

+ Timberland (16-17) checks in as the No. 4 overall seed in this playoff grouping. The Wolves won’t be a team that anyone will want to play early on, as power arm Richie Swain (2025; Mississippi State) is capable of beating anyone on any given day. Kasey Lasater (2024; St. Louis CC) has also thrown the ball really well for Timberland this spring. Ethan Chiodini (2025), Hayden Post (2025), and Isaiah Ogbe (2025) are all having strong seasons at the plate for the Wolves. 

+ The fifth seed in this District is Liberty - Wentzville (20-13), who is a team that’s capable of making a run given the talent they have on the mound. Pitching wins in the postseason and the Eagles have a staple of arms they can trot out who are capable of getting hitters out with consistency. Alex Jung (2024; Central Methodist) has a 1.16 ERA in 48 ⅓ innings on the hill this spring, and the talented left-hander has struck out 70 batters with a 0.97 WHIP in that span. Ty Holman (2024; St. Louis) and Brayden Schnurbusch (2024; John A. Logan JC) are two power arms with swing-and-miss stuff, and Lincoln Ralls (2024; Mineral Area JC) has been nails out of the ‘pen for this team. How their offense holds up against the plethora of high-end arms that are in this District will ultimately be the deciding factor for the Eagles, but this is a group that could be a tough out next week. 

+ Troy Buchanan (14-19-1), Francis Howell North (12-20), and Fort Zumwalt North (3-21) are the final three seeds in this District. 

CLASS 6, DISTRICT 4 SEEDINGS

Host: Troy Buchanan 

1. Francis Howell
2. Fort Zumwalt West
3. Francis Howell Central
4. Timberland
5. Liberty (Wentzville)
6. Troy Buchanan
7. Francis Howell North
8. Fort Zumwalt North

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