Jefferson City reaches first state title game since 1993, Owensville to play for third

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

For the first time in more than three decades, Jefferson City Boys Basketball has punched its ticket to a state championship. The Jays picked up a win in the Class 5 State Semifinals of the MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown on Wednesday while Owensville Girls Basketball will play for third place after falling in the Class 4 State Semifinals.

VIANNEY VS. JEFFERSON CITY

Jefferson City took down Vianney 63-59 to advance to its first state title game since 1993. The Jays will play De Smet Jesuit in the Class 5 State Championship on Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m.

After Jefferson City built an 11-point lead following an 18-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter, Vianney stormed back to take a 56-54 lead with less than two minutes left in the game. However, a three-pointer from Kendric Johnson on Jefferson City's next possession put the Jays back in front 57-56. Josh Buffington's group did not let go of that lead, proceeding to handle business from the charity stripe to seal the win.

Jordan Martin scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to finish the contest with a double-double. Nelson Shinkle and Rowen Buffington also scored in double figures, posting 15 points and 11 points respectively. Shinkle was just two rebounds shy of a double-double.

CENTRAL (PARK HILLS) VS. OWENSVILLE

Owensville fell to Central (Park Hills) 44-30 on Wednesday night, following a game-changing scoring run from the Rebels in the second half. Owensville will play Chillicothe for third place in the MSHSAA Class 4 Show-Me Showdown on Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m.

Despite holding a narrow one-point advantage at halftime, Owensville allowed an 11-2 scoring run midway through the second half, giving Central (Park Hills) the opportunity to pull away with the lead.

Alison Daniels and Camryn Caldwell combined to score 20 of Owensville's 30 points in the game. As a team, Owensville shot just 25.6% from the field.