Championship Recap: Jefferson City vs. De Smet
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A recap of the Class 5 boys championship game between Jefferson City and De Smet. Kent Williams caps off an amazing season. This year might’ve been Kent Williams best season of coaching at De Smet to date. This was a…
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Continue ReadingA recap of the Class 5 boys championship game between Jefferson City and De Smet.
Kent Williams caps off an amazing season.
This year might’ve been Kent Williams best season of coaching at De Smet to date. This was a team who had very little size when we saw them play during the summer and in their jamboree. Adding football talent was crucial but he embraced the skill-set of his players. This was a small, tough, elite shooting team that became a juggernaut at the right time. When threes were falling, this team was nearly unbeatable. The best part for Williams, he returns nearly all of his roster for next season and has incredible guard play.
Dillon Duff dominates the first half.
Duff broke this game open early and De Smet never looked back. His 5 made threes within the first ten minutes were an incredible display of shot making. He simply couldn’t miss and made the game look easy. Duff not only spaced the floor but brought a level of toughness on the other end. He’s a very good rebounding guard and someone who can guard those mismatch forwards. At 6’3 he’s well built and strong.
De Smet role players shine.
Everybody plays their role on this team. From Riley Massey Riley Massey 6'3" | PG De Smet Jesuit | 2025 State MO being an elite floor general, to Jordan Boyd Jordan Boyd 6'4" | SF DeSmet | 2026 State MO doing any and everything on the glass, to freshman Will Foulk Will Foulk 5'11" | PG DeSmet Jesuit | 2027 State MO who makes shots at a high level, this team had role players. Everybody was a star in their role and that’s a recipe for success. Even a football prospect such as Liam Russo contributed in a major way as an athletic 6’6 post. When March rolled around, this team had every piece needed to be great.
The end of an era at Jefferson City.
Following this game, Josh Buffington stepped down as the coach at Jefferson City. He was tremendous during his handful of seasons and found tons of success as coach of the Jays. They were set to lose key senior Nelson Shinkle Nelson Shinkle 6'8" | PF Jefferson City | 2024 State MO and potentially 2025 Jordan Martin Jordan Martin 6'6" | SF Jefferson City | 2025 State MO as he prepares for a potential future in baseball. This was the year for this team to make a deep run and they did. The semifinal win vs. Vianney was one of the best games of the year and this team should have a ton of great memories.