Jones, Williamson lead NMCC to Nixa Invitational Tournament Title

NIXA, Mo. — New Madrid County Central dethroned defending champion Nixa 72-65 in the championship of the 97th annual Nixa Invitational Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 27.

NMCC (17-1), ranked No. 1 and the defending Class 3 state champions, displayed its championship-caliber pedigree against Class 6 Nixa (12-5), sending a clear message that it is not just the Class 3 kings, but statewide giants capable of casting a shadow over anyone, anywhere.

“This was a tough win to pull off,” said NMCC coach Dontre Jenkins. “But it was big for us and our program to win in that atmosphere. The old saying defense wins championships comes true once again in the fourth quarter. We were able to force a couple of turnovers that led to some transition layups. Overall, I’m pleased with how we competed this weekend and that we were able to bring home the championship.”

Nixa raced out to an early advantage, but NMCC wouldn't be held back. Fueled by a steal and assist from Ty Williams to Jadis Jones, they snatched the lead 9-8 with just over four minutes left in the first quarter.

Nixa's Adam McKnight, a talented freshman, briefly recaptured the lead, but NMCC's Marvion Cranford made his presence felt with a couple of key baskets early.

Ra’Mond Brooks then put NMCC back ahead 13-11 with a layup following an offensive rebound.

“Ty Williams plays good defense at 5-foot-7 and even got in and got a couple of offensive rebounds for us,” Jenkins said. “Cranford and Brooks finished around the rim and were active on the boards for us.”

The opening frame also had highlights, none more exciting than when AJ Ruff found Jones streaking into the lane for a dunk, or when BJ Williamson stunned everyone with a 3-pointer from well beyond NBA range at the buzzer.

The incredible shot put NMCC up 22-14 at the end of the first quarter.

“[Williamson] and [Jones} played big for us while being face-guarded the whole game,” Jenkins said.

Nixa roared back in the second, led by Garrett Hines' block-and-score and McKnight's contested layup, briefly taking the 24-22 lead, but NMCC countered when Jones assisted Ruff on a triple moment later.

McKnight’s 3-point play with less than one minute remaining sent the game to halftime tied 29-29.

Nixa’s Devon Kemp scored his first points of the entire tournament to give Nixa a 31-29 lead at the start of the second half.

McKnight led Nixa to a 39-33 lead, their biggest of the game, but Jones and Williamson's free throws sparked a comeback, giving NMCC a 52-46 lead heading into the final quarter.

“When a little adversity hit during the game we didn’t fold we came together as a team and kept fighting,” Jenkins said.

Nixa pulled within a single point 54-54 on free throws by Peters with 6:27 left but that was the closest it would get.

Ruff nailed another shot from 3-point range with less than four minutes left in the game to make 61-56.

“[Ruff] stepped up with confidence and knocked down some big shots for us down the stretch,” Jenkins said.

Clutch free throws and timely baskets from Williamson down the stretch sealed NMCC's victory.

NMCC shot 58 percent from the field, with Jones leading the way with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Williamson added 23 points, three rebounds and three assists.

“The whole team knew we came up short last season,” Jones said. “We knew what it was going to take to win this tournament. Each game was a fight. All of these games helped us prepare for our journey to get another ring.”

NMCC also defeated Logan-Rogersville 62-51 in a semifinal.

The Eagles were led by Jones and Williamson with 21 and 19, respectively against the Wildcats (13-3) on Friday.

“The key was not letting the opponent dictate how we play,” Jenkins said. “That was the difference between tonight and yesterday’s game. We were able to keep Logan-Rogersville off balance with our defense. On offense, they had no answer for [Jones and Williamson]. Alongside those guys, [Ruff, Williams and Cranford) played well for us and did their jobs.”

Jones also had 13 rebounds and 6 assists, while Williamson added four rebounds, four assists and four steals. NMCC shot 58 percent from the field.

NMCC returns to action on the road at Poplar Bluff (11-8) on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

_NMCC 72, NIXA 65__

NMCC 22 7 23 20 — 72

Nixa 14 15 17 19 — 65

NMCC (72) Jadis Jones 25, BJ Williamson 23, AJ Ruff 15, Marvion Cranford 6, Ra’Mond Brooks 2, Ty Williams 1. FG: 24. FT: 20-25. F: 20. (3-pointers: Ruff 3, Williamson 1. Fouled out: Brooks, Cranford).

Nixa (65) — Adam McKnight 27, Josh Peters 11, Garrett Hines 11, Devon Kemp 5, Randy Flint 3, Bryce Foster 3, Lane Meltabarger 3, Jackson Canwell. FG: 22. FT: 17-28. F: 24. (3-pointers: Hines 2, Meltabarger 1, Foster 1. Fouled out: None).

__NMCC 62, LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE 51__

L-R’Ville 14 12 6 19 — 51

NMCC 16 12 13 21 — 62

Logan-Rogersville (51) — Chase Branham 2-, Scott Metz 6, Jase Perrifurt 6, Ross Lawrence 6, Dane Smith 5, Stewart McDonald 4, Bryce Marshall 4. FG: 20. FT: 4-7. F: 15. (3-pointers: Branham 2, Pettifurt 2, Smith 1, Lawrence 1. Fouled out: None).

NMCC (62) — Jadis Jones 21, BJ Williamson 19, AJ Ruff 13, Ra’Mond Brooks m4, Marvion Cranford 2. FG: 22. FT: 11-14. F: 11. (3-pointers: Williamson 3, Ruff 1. Fouled out: None).