Preview: Greyhounds Face Grizzlies in Region XVI Tournament Opener

MOBERLY, Mo. (Interstat) — The Moberly Area Greyhounds, riding a wave of momentum from a strong regular season, will open the Region XVI Tournament on Tuesday as heavy favorites against the Missouri State-West Plains Grizzlies.

The men’s junior college basketball matchup tips off Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with the Greyhounds (18-5) hosting the Grizzlies (4-17). Moberly Area swept all three regular-season meetings by an average margin of 24 points, including an 88-77 victory on Feb. 14.

Moberly Area enters postseason play having won four of its last five games, most recently an 82-78 win over Mineral Area on Feb. 28. Shaunassey Hatchett led the way in that victory with 18 points and eight rebounds, continuing his role as a key interior presence for the Greyhounds.

Conversely, Missouri State-West Plains snapped a seven-game losing streak with a narrow 73-71 home win over Three Rivers on Feb. 28. That victory provided a rare bright spot in a challenging season. The Grizzlies will look to sophomore Javon Barbee to build on his recent performances; he averaged 11.5 points and 7.3 rebounds over his last four games, including a 16-point effort against Mineral Area on Feb. 4.

The Greyhounds’ balanced attack, demonstrated in the Feb. 28 win where three players scored 18 or more points, will pose a significant challenge for the Grizzlies’ defense. Moberly Area’s only loss in its final six regular-season games was a 59-53 defeat at State Fair on Feb. 25.

For Missouri State-West Plains, tournament play offers a chance to reset. Their recent win provides a sliver of confidence, but overcoming a Moberly Area team that has dominated the series will require a near-perfect performance. Containing Hatchett and slowing the Greyhounds’ offensive tempo will be critical.

The winner advances in the Region XVI Tournament bracket, with Moberly Area aiming to leverage its home court and superior record into a deep postseason run, while West Plains seeks a season-defining upset.