The boys basketball program at Principia celebrated history after winning its first state championship this week.
The Panthers defeated KIPP KC Legacy 76-56 to win the Class 3 state championship at this week’s MSHSAA state tournament in Columbia.
Principia, who finished the season with a 31-1 record, was dominant in winning both of its games at the Final Four, which was held at the Mizzou Arena on the campus of the University of Missouri. The Panthers defeated Woodland 85-50 in the semifinals to advance to the state finals.
Standout junior guard Quentin Coleman put on a show in the championship game to lead the Panthers. The 6’3” Coleman scored a game-high 30 points while also grabbing nine rebounds and blocking two shots.
Sophomore power forward Sekou Cisse registered a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Gassim Toure had 11 points and six rebounds while 6’7” junior forward Ron Henry Jr. grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds.
In the semifinals against Woodland, Coleman also led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Toure also added 12 points and five rebounds.
The state championship was also the fourth for Principia’s Hall of Fame head coach Jay Blossom. He won three state titles at Webster Groves in 2008, 2017 and 2018.
Principia Girls Take Second in Class 3
The Principia girls team made its second consecutive appearance at the state championships this week. The Panthers were defeated by three-time state champion Fair Grove 39-33.
The Panthers defeated Portageville 61-39 in the semifinals to advance to the finals. They finished second in the Class 2 state tournament last year.
Freshman guard Loganne Love led Principia with nine points and five rebounds in the state championship game. In the semifinals against Portageville, Nya Walker scored a game-high 14 points while 6’2” sophomore Dasia Scott added 12 points.