NMCC edges St. Mary’s in battle of state-ranked teams

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Star-studded squads clashed as New Madrid County Central defeated St. Mary’s South Side in the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, showcasing offensive fireworks and late-game drama.

Jadis Jones and BJ Williamson stole the show, leading the Class 3, No. 1 Eagles (20-1), while Zyree Collins, the younger brother of former St. Louis University standout Zuri Collins, kept the Class 5, No. 2 Dragons (22-2) in the fight with his scoring skills.

“Overall, I felt like we competed well against one of the top teams in the state,” said NMCC coach Dontre Jenkins. “We have some things we need to clean up to finish ball games.

New Madrid County Central's BJ Williamson (5) scores during an 85-80 win over St. Mary's South Side at the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

NMCC started strong with Jones setting the tone with a powerful take to the basket. Despite the Eagles leading most of the first quarter, Collins connected on a late 3-pointer to tie the game at 17-17.

However, Williamson displayed his clutch gene right before the buzzer, draining a step-back triple to give NMCC a narrow 20-17 lead after one.

The battle continued in the second quarter, with Collins again tying the score at 22-22.

New Madrid County Central's AJ Ruff (20) dribbles during an 85-80 win over St. Mary's South Side at the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The Dragons even grabbed their first lead on a Demetrius Griffin layup. But Williamson proved undeniable, knocking down free throws and setting up AJ Ruff for a crucial 3-pointer, putting NMCC back in front.

Jones added to the excitement with a thunderous putback dunk, widening the gap to 35-28.

Yet, St. Mary’s refused to go away, closing the half with two baskets from Collins, trailing just 37-35.

New Madrid County Central's Jadis Jones (10) defends St. Mary's South Side Zyree Collins (21) during an 85-80 win at the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The turning point came early in the third quarter.

With the score tied at 46-46, Williamson delivered a dominant sequence. He fought through contact for a layup, drew a foul, and converted the free throw.

Not only that, the Dragons were whistled for a technical foul, granting Williamson two more free throws and possession of the ball. He capped off the possession with a three-pointer, essentially giving NMCC an eight-point possession and a 54-46 lead.

New Madrid County Central's Marvion Cranford (50) defends during an 85-80 over St. Mary's South Side at the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Although NMCC maintained the lead throughout the third quarter and extended the lead to double figures with just 2:22 left in the game, St. Mary’s showed athleticism and grit, clawing back within one point at 78-77 in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

Jones responded with a tough offensive rebound and finish, but Collins answered right back with another clutch 3-pointer, making it 82-80 with just over 30 seconds remaining.

In the closing seconds, the Eagles’ defense stepped up, securing key stops and converting free throws to seal the victory.

New Madrid County Central's J'Kwon Jones (14) defends during an 85-80 over St. Mary's South Side at the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“Even though we had a bad game with turnovers and trying to slow Southside down when the game got down to the wire we were able to pull out the win it may not have been pretty but we got it done,” Jenkins said.

Jones finished the game with a game-high 39 points. He also added 14 rebounds, five assists and a steal.

“[Jones] did what we needed him to do to pull off the win,’ Jenkins said. “He’s been doing it all season long. He was just frustrated in his play felt like he could’ve done more to help his teammates and felt that we should’ve closed the game out better.”

Williamson added 32 points, five steals, four rebounds and four assists, while Collins paced the Dragons with 33 points.

NMCC will host Caruthersville (11-9) on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

__NEW MADRID COUNTY CENTRAL 85, St. MARY’S SOUTH SIDE 80__

SMSS 17 18 20 25 — 80

NMCC 20 17 25 23 — 85

St. Mary’s South Side (80) — Zyree Collins 34, Demetrius Griffin 11, Caden Ward 9, Ronnell Johnson 8, Marquan Haynes 6, Chase Rhone 4, Marvin Neals III 4, Joshua Grimes 2. Jermain Smith Jr. 2. FG: 30. FT: 14-21. F: 26. (3-pointers: Collins 3,

Ward 3. Fouled out: Xavier Clark.)

New Madrid County Central (85) — Jadis Jones 39, BJ Williamson 32, Ra’Mond Brooks 6, AJ Ruff 4, Marvion Cranford 4. FG: 28. FT: 17-31. F: 18. (3-pointers: Williamson 3, Ruff 1. Fouled out: None.)