Missouri's Game of the Week: Chaminade at De Smet

There was no question where Missouri's Game of the Week was. Two of the state's premier programs met in a highly anticipated rematch that lived up to every bit of the hype. The showdown only reinforced why both Chaminade and De Smet remain firmly in the state championship conversation this spring. We'll recap how it unfolded and break down the biggest playmakers who impacted the outcome.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Game Recap</h3>   Chaminade came out of the gates as the more aggressive and motivated team. They immediately challenged De Smet with tight, physical defense — pressuring the ball, jumping passing lanes, and making every catch difficult.   Offensively, they were just as sharp. Multiple players contributed early, the ball moved side to side, and they played unselfishly. Their ability to operate out of ball screens forced De Smet into rotation, creating driving lanes and advantages that consistently collapsed the defense. Chaminade also looked extremely comfortable playing at a fast pace, which worked to their advantage.   Despite struggling in the opening quarter, De Smet managed to hit a few timely shots to trim the deficit and keep the game within striking distance.   The second quarter turned sloppy for both teams, with missed shots and turnovers piling up on each end. Still, Chaminade found ways to manufacture points — attacking closeouts, getting downhill, and consistently touching the paint.   Late in the half, the scoring picked up on both sides as shot-making improved. Chaminade also made a concerted effort to feed the ball inside, applying pressure on the interior defense.   By halftime, Chaminade held a 34–23 lead — a margin that, given their control for much of the half, could have been even larger.   The second half turned into an offensive barrage as the pace quickened and the game went end to end. Shot after shot fell, with each team trading blows. De Smet got its stars going, putting the ball in their hands nearly every possession as they attacked downhill and worked to get to their spots.   But every time De Smet made a push, Chaminade had an answer. When the Spartans strung together a run, Chaminade responded to keep the margin at double digits. In key moments, they executed — a trait that often defines winning programs.   The fourth quarter brought a furious comeback attempt from De Smet. They ramped up the intensity on both ends, knocked down tough, contested shots, and slowly chipped away at the lead. With just over two minutes remaining, they had trimmed the deficit completely, tying the game at 52.   From there, it was winning time.   Both teams delivered big plays down the stretch. Chaminade converted crucial free throws and secured a massive offensive rebound, while De Smet countered with a momentum-swinging four-point play. Ultimately, the game came down to the final possession. De Smet was unable to generate a clean look, and Chaminade escaped with a 58–56 victory.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performers</h3>    Hands down the most physically dominant player on the floor for the duration of the night. Mohamed controlled the offensive glass, creating multiple second-chance opportunities and finishing strong at the rim. He displayed both touch and power, including the ability to rise up and finish emphatically with one hand.   Kourouma's ability to play as a face-up player was also impressive. Mohamed attacked off the dribble with a quick first step and showcased an above-average handle for a player his size. He created space with the ball using pivots and spins, and he was effective operating out of ball screens, consistently finding openings and putting pressure on the defense.     De Smet's most consistent performer on the night, Foulk made play after play with the ball in his hands. He created subtle advantages using changes of speed and direction, keeping defenders off balance and opening driving lanes.   While he knocked down big shots, his impact went beyond scoring. Foulk consistently created quality opportunities for teammates, displaying strong vision and the ability to anticipate reads before they fully developed. He has a real knack for delivering in crucial moments — a trait that fueled De Smet's second-half comeback and kept them within striking distance down the stretch.     Collins came out aggressive from the opening tip and was Chaminade's best player for multiple stretches throughout the game. He brought consistent energy on both ends and clearly looked comfortable with the ball in his hands.   Offensively, he broke down defenders effortlessly, showing the ability to change gears and explode past his man. He finished efficiently and flashed a strong in-between game, making plays when the defense tried to cut off driving lanes.   Defensively, Collins was a catalyst. He played the passing lanes with purpose, got his hands on the ball, and generated key turnovers that allowed him to get out in transition and use his athleticism in the open floor.     Jonny showed his scoring ability at times throughout the night, particularly as a clutch shot maker. He consistently hit tough, contested shots against aggressive defense, using fades and a quick release to find his spots when his team needed points most.   Early on, he let the game come to him, but in the late stages, he took control. Jonny not only scored but also drew fouls and went to the free-throw line, making his presence felt in multiple ways.   What stood out most was his poise. Whether scoring or facilitating, he never rushed, always seeming to control the pace when he had the ball. He was every bit as advertised, showing both skill and composure under pressure.     There was no denying Boyd's skill on Friday night. He came alive as a shooter, knocking down multiple triples while actively seeking his shot early and often. Beyond his scoring, he was a steadying presence for De Smet, providing experience and leadership when it mattered most.   Boyd's scoring helped keep De Smet within striking distance, especially when other options were limited. Beyond his perimeter shooting, he attacked closeouts aggressively and made his presence felt on the glass, using his size from the guard spot to create mismatches and capitalize on opportunities.     Thomas battled foul trouble in the first half and, at times, looked out of rhythm trying to navigate Chaminade's defensive intensity. But as high-level players often do, he adjusted.   In the second half, Thomas flipped the switch. He leaned into his size and physicality when attacking from the perimeter, playing through contact and using his shoulders to create separation off the bounce. Time and again, he was able to bump defenders off their spots and carve out space.   His ability to get to his left hand proved especially effective, consistently putting Chaminade's on-ball defenders in tough positions and allowing him to exploit angles. Thomas also delivered timely baskets during De Smet's second-half surge, helping fuel the comeback effort.     Butler was a key piece for De Smet, with his length and activity level standing out. He always seemed to be around the basketball, moving well to find openings and making plays off his teammates.   Offensively, he hit some timely shots, finishing with touch near the rim while also stretching the floor as a shooter. His confidence and willingness to take big shots was evident — he consistently looked to be aggressive and score when it mattered most.   On the defensive end, Butler's high activity level and ability to stay connected with his teammates helped pace the Spartans at various points throughout the game. He's the ideal role player, seamlessly complementing De Smet's deep rotation of primary ball handlers and providing reliable support whenever needed.

There was no question where Missouri's Game of the Week was. Two of the state's premier programs met in a highly anticipated rematch that lived up to every bit of the hype. The showdown only reinforced why both Chaminade and De Smet remain firmly in the state championship conversation this spring. We'll recap how it unfolded and break down the biggest playmakers who impacted the outcome.