Not since the 2019-2020 season has the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) held postseason basketball games at neutral sites.

Under a change in rules, MSHSAA is returning these games to neutral sites and Warrenton High School has been selected to host a Class 4 quarterfinal at 1 p.m. on March 14.

Warrenton athletics director Andrew Arnette said the one-game event is different from the usual pair of boys-and-girls playoff games held at the same site.

“Hosting the quarterfinal game is something that I have been working on with Doug Fessler at MSHSAA,” Arnette said. “We originally were working on hosting both boys and girls, but that didn't work out. We were selected for the boys' game.”

According to information provided by MSHSAA Communications Director Andrew Kauffman, ‘Hosts will be determined by the MSHSAA Office, as was the process before the 23-24 season, played at neutral sites at MSHSAA member school venues throughout the state whenever possible. Sites will be determined after class and district assignments are released.’

Also, according to the MSHSAA handbook, the minimum requirements to host include: “two locker rooms, adequate parking, secure officials’ area to dress, and adequate seating requirements.” Schools have been asked to enter accurate seating capacity for their facility on the website.

Arnette went on to say that the school and the district worked hard to meet the criteria to host the prestigious event.

“We just kept an open line of communication on facility availability and what we could do to accommodate,” Arnette said. “We weren't sure what class we would be awarded until it was released.”

Warrenton has hosted neutral-site playoff games previously, as Class 3 quarterfinals were held at the school between 2015 and 2018.

In 2016, future NBA players Michael and Jontay Porter played at Warrenton as Father Tolton won its quarterfinal on the way to a Class 3 state championship.

This time around, the game could feature a pair of powerhouse teams, as, barring upsets, Vashon and Mexico could well face off. Vashon is No. 1 in the latest Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) rankings, while Mexico is No. 7.

The teams have met in the state quarterfinal round each of the last two seasons.

“I'm excited to see what schools we will be hosting,” Arnette said. “(I) hope it will be a good game and great atmosphere.”