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
+ Class 6, District 4
+ Class 6, District 3
+ Class 6, District 2
+ Class 6, District 1
+ Class 5, District 8
+ Class 5, District 7
+ Class 5, District 6
+ Class 5, District 5
+ Class 5, District 4
+ Class 5, District 3
+ Class 5, District 2 

Below you’ll learn more about Class 5, District 1 and its outlook with the playoffs set to start next week.

+ The reigning Class 5 state champions are yet again coming off an impressive season, as Festus (22-7) begins their title defense as the top seed in this grouping. Festus’ ability to prevent runs is as good as anyone in the state, with their two top arms combining to allow one earned runs across an 85 1/3 inning workload. Mason Schirmer (2025; Mizzou) pitched to a 0.00 ERA in 43 ⅓ frames, fanning 81 with 15 walks. Sophomore Jackson Smith (2026) was also excellent, surrendering two total runs - one of them earned - with a 0.17 ERA and 47 punchouts in 42 innings on the hill. They will have an advantage in both games that their two top arms toe the rubber, which obviously bodes well in a playoff format. Hayden Bates (2024) was one of the top bats in the St. Louis area this spring, slashing .446/.561/.723 with 13 extra-base hits and 13 stolen bases. Brady Nolen (2025) continues to be an impact in multiple ways offensively, hitting .373 with a .519 on-base percentage and a team-high 23 stolen bases. 

+ Hillsboro (17-10) is the second seed in this District, dropping two 1-0 contests to rival Festus in the regular season. This is a deep offense that features multiple bats that can beat you, as Cohen Linderer (2024), Easton Day (2025), Dominic Sutton (2024), Gunner Sutton (2025), Max Partney (2027), and Keynen Drury (2025) all hit over .320 in 80+ plate appearances. 10 different Hillsboro bats drove in 10 or more runs and Linderer swiped 29 bags. Gavin Hite (2024) pitched to a 1.15 ERA across a 54 ⅔ inning workload, walking only 12 with a 0.62 WHIP in that span. Dominic Sutton was also really good this spring, logging a 0.77 ERA with 45 punchouts and 18 walks in 45 ⅔ innings. 

+ Farmington (22-12) won the MAAA Conference Tournament and enters these playoffs as the three seed on an eight game win streak. Cooper Tripp (2026) paces the offense with a .409/.469/.504 triple-slash in 130 plate appearances, driving in 26 total runs with 21 stolen bases on the year. Jack McDowell (2025), Trevor Sutherland (2026), Caden Probst ()2024, and Ty Wampler all had strong seasons at the plate for the Black Knights. Farmington also has four different players with 20+ RBI and five who have swiped double-digit stolen bases. Aiden Redmond () pitched to a 0.69 ERA over a 51-inning workload, punching out 58 batters with a 1.02 WHIP in that span. Colten Crump (2024), AJ Robbins (2027), Bryce Bloom (2025), and Wampler all threw more than 20 innings and had success on the mound. The Black Knights have a deep roster that’s able to withstand a deep playoff push and will be a tough out in this District. 

+ DeSoto (14-11) is the fourth seed in this District. Hayden Langston (2024) and Blake Coleman (2026) handled 30+ inning workloads and saw success in their time on the mound. Brendan Young (2025) led the way with a .311 batting average, Coleman drove in 17 runs with 12 stolen bases, and Connor Heister (2026) paced the way with 22 RBI. 

+ Central Cape Girardeau (10-24), North County (10-12), Windsor Imperial (9-15-1), and Sikeston (4-18) are the last four seeds in this District. 

CLASS 5, DISTRICT 1 SEEDINGS 

Host: Festus 

1. Festus
2. Hillsboro
3. Farmington 
4. DeSoto 
5. Central (Cape Girardeau)
6. North County
7. Windsor (Imperial)
8. Sikeston

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