NMCC completes comeback against Rock Bridge in Hall of Fame Classic

COLUMBIA, Mo. — New Madrid County Central overcame a fourth-quarter deficit against Rock Bridge in the Hall of Fame Classic in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The Eagles (16-6) won 53-59 over the Bruins (16-6) behind another outstanding performance from the dynamic duo of Jadis Jones and BJ Williamson.

“Rock Bridge has a good ball club and they are well coached,” said NMCC assistant coach Dontre Jenkins. “Late in the game, we were able to get some stops on the defensive end to secure the win. Along with the stops we were able to make Rock Bridge pay by taking the ball to the basket and finishing in the paint.”

Jones finished with 23 points, while Williamson scored a game-high 25. Both had several clutch baskets for NMCC down the stretch.

Brayden Newsom knocked down two free throws with nine seconds left in the game to increase the Eagles’ lead to two possessions, and Williamson seal the game when he grabbed a steal and dribbled out the clock.

Newsom finished with 11, while Brady Bowers led Rock Bridge with 18.

NMCC will host Sikeston (16-5) in its regular-season finale on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

The Eagles received the top seed and will host the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament. The team will face the winner of fourth-seeded Portageville (14-11) and fifth-seeded Senath-Hornersville (15-8) on Feb. 22 at 5 p.m.

__NMCC 63, Rock Bridge 59__

Rock Bridge 21 8 17 13 — 59

NMCC 16 12 16 19 — 63

__Rock Bridge (59) —__ Brady Bowers 18, Dale Davidson 15, Kanyon Hummel 11, Reese Minnix 6, Mark Hajicek 6. FG: 22. FT: 10-13. F: 19. (3-pointers: Bowers 2. Fouled out: Hummel, Minnix, Andrew May.)

__NMCC (63) —__ BJ Williamson 25, Jadis Jones 23, Brayden Newsom 13, AJ Ruff 5. FG: 23. FT: 17-21. F: 15. (3-pointers: Williamson 2. Fouled out: none.)