C3D1 BKB: Jones’ surge leads NMCC past Portageville

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Jadis Jones's 31-point outburst powered New Madrid County Central to an 80-52 victory over Portageville in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 semifinal on Thursday, Feb. 22.

The fourth-seeded Bulldogs (17-11) challenged the top-seeded Eagles (23-3) throughout the first half, trailing by just 35-33 at the break. However, Jones took over after halftime, scoring 15 points in the third quarter alone to propel the team to a decisive win.

"I give Portageville credit for the way they came out in the first half," said NMCC coach Dontre Jenkins. "They had guys step up and make shots that first half. I told my guys at the start of the game that Portageville was excited to make it to the next round of playoffs so they would come out fired up and ready to play. At halftime, we made some defense adjustments and we were able to force them into turning the ball over which allowed us to take advantage and get some easy points which allowed us to pull away from them.”

NMCC's BJ Williamson and Ra'Mond Brooks each added 13 points, while Marvion Cranford contributed 12.

Xayvion Boghan led Portageville with 20 points.

"The boys played their hearts out and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Portageville coach TJ Smith. “All of Portageville’s Sports Programs are going to be missing this group of seniors when this year ends. All of us coaches hope that the legacy these guys leave passes on to the younger groups. If our athletes follow in these seniors’ footsteps all of Portageville Athletics will be able to enjoy success for a long time.”

NMCC will now face second-seeded Malden (21-5) in the district championship game on Saturday at 7 p.m.

__NEW MADRID COUNTY CENTRAL 80, PORTAGEVILLE 52__

P’Ville 14 19 15 4 — 52

NMCC 20 15 28 17 — 80

Portageville (52) — Xayvion Bogan 20, Aaron Dunlap 10, AJ Larry 6, Brandon West 6, Jamarion Smith 5, Mason Adams 3, Tim Hamilton 2. FG: 18. FT: 11-16. F: 17. (3-pointers: West 2, Smith 1, Adams 1, Bogan 1. Fouled out: Jeffries.)

NMCC (80) — Jadis Jones 31, BJ Williamson 13, Ra’Mond Brooks 13, Marvion Cranford 12, AJ Ruff 9, Ja’Kwon Jones 2. FG: 33. FT: 13-16. F: 13. (3-pointers: Ruff 1. Fouled out: None.)