Title Defense Complete, Legacy Secured: Brotherhood breeds back-to-back state titles for NMCC

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Through victory and adversity, the seniors of New Madrid County Central faced every battle as a united front.

Fighting back-to-back, locked arm-in-arm and constantly pushing each other to be better.

It was that unshakeable brotherhood — the foundation of success — that elevated the Eagles (28-3) to a second consecutive MSHSAA Class 3 Show-Me Showdown Title with a resounding 86-65 win over Summit Christian Academy at Mizzou Arena on Saturday, March 9.

NMCC's BJ Williamson (5) goes up for a dunk during an 86-65 win over Summit Christian Academy in the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday, March 9, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“The championship means a lot to me, but what matters most is seeing my teammate's faces,” said NMCC standout Jadis Jones. “ I'm happy everyone got to share this experience. Some of the younger guys are probably tired of us seniors with how hard we push them, but we just want them to understand what it takes to get here. You must play every game like it's your last and cherish every possession. It won't get any easier, but I'm glad everyone got that ring.”

Summit Christian Academy opened the game with a quick start and led 4-0 after a bucket from Kash Pritchard, but NMCC didn’t blink, having trust in the game plan, its preparation and most importantly, each other.

“We weren’t sure what to expect but we were ready for anything,” said NMCC coach Dontre Jenkins. “We built our schedule up so we were prepared for tough teams like this. All season long we have seen different defenses, schemes and styles of opponents. We were never rattled because we were ready for whatever they could try to throw at us.”

NMCC's AJ Ruff (20) drives during an 86-65 win over Summit Christian Academy in the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday, March 9, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Down early, BJ Williamson imposed his will and shifted the momentum. His savvy positioning led to back-to-back offensive rebounds, which he muscled into points, putting NMCC on top for the first time midway through the opening frame.

Then, an unexpected offensive spark — AJ Ruff, played a crucial role in giving the team an early double-figure advantage. He found Ra’Mond Brook with a no-look pass for an easy layup.

Sensing he was being underestimated, Ruff confidently drained a 3-pointer, followed by two mid-range shots. This scoring outburst, combined with the trademark defense, pushed the lead to 20-10 with 1:12 left in the first quarter.

NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) goes up for a dunk during an 86-65 win over Summit Christian Academy in the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday, March 9, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“I wasn’t surprised, I’m just happy he finally showed everybody how he can score the ball,” Williamson said. “A lot of people look at him as just a point guard, so it’s great to see him come out of his shell, score the ball and get the recognition he deserves.”

Ruff wasn't finished. In what proved to be one of his best games, he finished with a season-high 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting. He also contributed two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Summit Christian Academy closed the gap slightly with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Max Reiger, 22-15 at the end of the quarter.

Williamson erupted in the second quarter, demonstrating that championships aren't given, they're earned. His fast-break layup and consecutive 3-pointers powered NMCC to a commanding 30-15 lead. Refusing to be contained, he added another shot from downtown to stretch the advantage to 35-17.

Williamson showcased his will to win with a championship-caliber night. Concluded with a dominant stat line: a game-high 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting, 10 rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a block.

“I’m just very very happy,” Williamson said. “I’m glad we won, everything worked out and the hard work paid off. It feels good to be back in this position with the brothers I grew up with. It’s about more than basketball to us. We came together and finished this part of our story.”

Jones’ perfectly executed elbow jumper sent NMCC into halftime with a comfortable 37-25 lead.

Jones is not only a rising star but also the cornerstone of the dynasty. While others may chase individual glory, Jones understands that true greatness is achieved through shared victories.

But don't let his team-first mentality fool you; Jones is a stat-sheet stuffer, finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and nine steals, which is the most ever in a state championship game.

Jones is impossible to contain, a defensive menace and his presence fueled NMCC’s dominance inside, resulting in a lopsided 48-12 points in the paint advantage.

“There were a lot of emotions going into this game,” Jones said. “We knew this was our last game playing together and we didn’t want to let those emotions get to us. I love how the team came together and did what it took to win. We took it one play at a time and believed in each other and our coach.”

Summit Christian Academy came out swinging after halftime, putting the lead in jeopardy with 3-pointers from Carter Jefferies, Reiger and Fischer Ethridge to cut the deficit to 43-37 with about four minutes left in the third quarter.

However, this was the closest Summit Christian Academy would come as NMCC’s championship resolve kicked in.

An athletic save by Ruff and a clutch layup by Marvion Cranford pushed the lead back into double-digits at the end of the third quarter.

"I’m always going to remember the fight of my teammates and coaches,” Jones said. “Both [former NMCC coach Lennies] McFerren and coach Jenkins were tough, always fighting for their players and what's right. They never backed down from a challenge, and they instilled that same mentality in us."

Jones opened the fourth quarter with a crisp assist to Ruff for a layup.

He followed it up with a steal and thunderous two-handed dunk, extending the lead to 57-43 and demoralizing Summit Christian's defense. Jones put the game away with a clutch 3-point play, stretching the advantage to 20 points with 4:44 left.

Fans are going wild trying to guess where Jones’ explosive talent will take his game next.

Jones teased an announcement within a month, hinting that he's already got his next move lined up.

Perhaps, the championship's biggest highlight came in the closing moments, long after the game's outcome was no longer in doubt.

Kayden Minner, who’s missed his entire senior season due to a devastating injury, returned to the court for the first time.

Last season's starter, his absence was a constant reminder of another challenge this team had overcome. His 3-pointer in the final minute was a storybook ending, not just for Minner, but for the entire close-knit group of seniors. Their journey, filled with both triumphs and setbacks, concluded on the highest of notes.

Jenkins, who has coached these seniors since they were in the sixth grade, couldn’t be prouder.

“To see them finish their high school careers with back-to-back championships, especially after the disappointments they faced early on, is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “Our bond runs deep. They can call me and I’ll come running for them. I'm always going to be there for them, and they know it – that's why their success means so much to me.

“NMCC jerseys aren't just worn, they carry a legacy,” Jenkins concluded. “Five state championships speak to that greatness, but this group has set the new standard for our program.”

__NMCC 86, SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 65__

NMCC 22 15 16 33 — 86

SCA 15 10 18 22 — 65

NMCC (86) — BJ Williamson 26, Jadis Jones 22, AJ Ruff 21, Ra’Mond Brooks 4, Marvion Cranford 3, Kayden Minner 3, Ja’Kwon Jones 2, Charlie Resonno 2, Ryleigh Hardin 2, Lee Kennedy III 1. FG: 30-57. FT: 21-31. F: 18. (3-pointers: Williamson 3, Ruff 1, Minner 1. Fouled out: None.)

Summit Christian Academy (65) — Max Reiger 25, Fischer Ethridge 11, Carter Jefferies 11, Brayden Porter 8, Michael Thomas 4, Michael Ward 4, Kash Pritchard 2. FG: 19-47. FT: 16-18. F: 28. (3-pointers: Rieger 5, Ethridge 2, Jefferies 2, Porter 2. Fouled out: Ethridge, Thomas, Ward, Porter.)