NMCC sends message with 70-38 quarterfinal win over Kingston

PARK HILLS, Mo. – New Madrid County Central’s 70-38 quarterfinal round win over Kingston wasn’t so much a contest as it was a statement to the rest of the Class 3 Field.

The final score doesn’t do justice to how thoroughly the No. 1 Eagles (26-3) dominated, exposing the vast gulf between the two teams and their athletic edge against the Cougars (19-10) at Parks Hills Central High School on Saturday, March 2.

“Our goal was to play hard-nosed defense,” said NMCC coach Dontre Jenkins. “That’s where our mindset was at, and we came out, turned them over several times and got some easy points off layups.”

NMCC's AJ Ruff (20) and Kayden Minner stand for a photo following a 70-38 win over Kingston in the quarterfinal round of the MSHSAA Class 3 State Tournament at Park Hills Central High School on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

BJ Williamson's back-to-back 3-pointers ignited the Eagles' fast start, but it was the defense that was the true catalyst.

NMCC's pressure and athleticism forced Kingston into rushed decisions and contested shots, often leading to desperation heaves.

Jadis Jones converted a conventional 3-point play with 2:36 left in the first quarter, pushing the lead to 11-4. Just a minute later, Williamson capitalized on the continued chaos with a steal, setting up a rim-rattling Jones dunk that brought the lead to double-digits.

NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) dribbles during a 70-38 win over Kingston in the quarterfinal round of the MSHSAA Class 3 State Tournament at Park Hills Central High School on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“Our guys fed off that,” Jenkins said. “It’s always good when he is knocking down shots earlier. It swings the momentum our way and improves the team’s overall energy. It brought out the defensive intensity in them.”

The Cougars’ rattled state was further exposed as they couldn't even muster a shot attempt in the final 19.8 seconds of the quarter, a testament to the Eagles’ defense.

NMCC headed into the second quarter firmly in control with an 18-6 advantage.

NMCC's Marvion Cranford (50) and Ra'Mond Brooks (15) hug following a 70-38 win over Kingston in the quarterfinal round of the MSHSAA Class 3 State Tournament at Park Hills Central High School on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

"We knew we had to shut them down early,” Jenkins said. “They couldn't be allowed to get any rhythm or confidence. I was proud of the way we executed our defensive gameplan right from the opening tip. I don’t think [Kingston] knew what to do with our guys flying all over the floor.”

Kingston found better offensive footing in the second quarter, but Jones answered with another dunk and a dazzling display of ball-handling.

He finished the second quarter with a layup that showcased his talent, picking up his dribble at the free-throw line, then skillfully maneuvering the ball behind his back before gliding past a defender and converting the shot.

NMCC cheerleaders perform during a 70-38 win over Kingston in the quarterfinal round of the MSHSAA Class 3 State Tournament at Park Hills Central High School on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Despite a slight scoring uptick, the Eagles headed into halftime with a comfortable 34-19 lead.

NMCC's reputation as a second-half powerhouse proved true once again, opening the third quarter with a devastating 23-4 run.

“There were no adjustments,” Jenkins said. “All year long we’ve been a second-half team, and we continued to do that tonight. It lets our guys get off their feet for a second because we have guys playing a lot of minutes. They came back out, picked up the intensity and had a big run.”

Williamson and Brooks carried the scoring load, while Jones displayed his ever-expanding skillset with a pair of 3-pointers and another crowd-pleasing dunk.

Jones's improved outside shot is a testament to his dedication, adding a new and dangerous dimension to his game.

By the end of the quarter, NMCC had blown the game wide open with a commanding 61-26 lead, and with back-to-back buckets from Marvion Cranford early in the fourth quarter, the Eagles pushed its lead to a staggering 65-26.

The commanding lead allowed NMCC to clear its bench with about three minutes remaining.

The victory punched the Eagles’ ticket to the Final Four for the third consecutive season.

The defending Class 3 state champions will take on No. 3 Thayer (22-8) in the state semifinals on Friday, March 8th at 6 p.m. at the 2024 Show-Me Showdown at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri.

The MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship will be played the following day, Saturday, March 9 at 8 p.m.

“All year long I've been telling them this is their last go-around," Jenkins concluded. "Our mindset has been taking care of business one game at a time, and now I want them to soak it all in. Especially for our seniors like Jones, Williamson, and Ruff, this is their final chance to shine together. It's about enjoying the journey, yes, but also staying hungry for that ultimate victory."

__NMCC 70, KINGSTON 38__

NMCC 18 16 27 9 — 70

Kingston 6 13 7 12 — 38

NMCC (70) — Jadis Jones 23, BJ Williamson 22, Ra’Mond Brooks 11, AJ Ruff 7, Marvion Cranford 7. FG: 27. FT: 11-14. F: 13. (3-pointers: Williamson 3, Jones 2. Fouled out: None.)

Kingston (38) — Cody Yates 15, Mason Nelson 15, Brenden Luna 3, Blake Juliette 2, Ayden Piel 2, Brady Thompson 1. FG: 15. FT: 2-4. F: 16. (3-pointers: Nelson 3, Yates 2. Fouled out: None.)