The top-seeded Jefferson City Jays set the tone from the opening tip Wednesday at Capital City High School. Jordan Martin tipped the opening jump forward to Kendric Johnson, who ran into the paint for a floater five seconds into the Class 5 District 5 Tournament first-round matchup. It was a good indication of what was to come in the Jays’ 79-37 victory against the No. 8 seed Capital City Cavaliers.
For years, the Jefferson City Jays have had to watch the championship game of their home tournament, the Joe Machens Great 8 Classic, from the stands, hoping the next year would be their chance to finally play for the title.
That chance finally came Friday night, and the Jays didn’t let the opportunity slip through their fingertips.
The Jefferson City Jays made use of high-percentage shots.
Jefferson City shot 60 percent in the first quarter, 45.5 percent in the second and 60 percent again in the third to help build a 58-48 win Wednesday against the Rogers, Ark., Mounties in the opening round of the Joe Machens Great 8 Classic at Fleming Fieldhouse.
The Jefferson City Jays heard the final horn Friday night and celebrated their 43-21 victory against the Kirksville Tigers by sliding across the rainy Adkins Stadium turf following the Class 4 District 5 semifinal matchup.
It was a fitting celebration for the Jays, who advanced to their second straight district championship game with the win.
The Jefferson City Jays survived a huge comeback bid from the Battle Spartans on Friday night at Adkins Stadium and outlasted the Spartans for a 48-41 victory in Central Missouri Activities Conference play.