In an exhilarating culmination of the Missouri high school basketball season, the Vashon Wolverines secured their sixth consecutive state championship with a decisive 81-45 victory over Benton in the MSHSAA Class 4 championship held on March 22, 2025, at Mizzou Arena. This victory marks Vashon's eighth title in the last decade, solidifying their dominance in the sport.
The Wolverines showcased their offensive prowess throughout the game, led by standout player Trey Williams Jr., who scored a game-high 19 points, shooting 66.7% from beyond the arc with 4 of 6 successful three-point attempts. Following closely was Terron Garrett with 17 points, while Jimmy McKinney III contributed 14 points, Dorea McCaskill added 12, and Leon Powell chipped in 11 points. With this victory, Vashon finished the season with an impressive record of 27 wins and just 2 losses.
On the same night, across the arena, the Doniphan Donettes claimed victory in the Class 4 girls championship, defeating the Benton girls team with a narrow score of 63-59. This win marked a significant achievement for Doniphan, as it represented their first state championship title after only their second finals appearance.
Doniphan’s star player, Carsyn Hagood, shone brightly during the championship match, leading all scorers with a phenomenal 31-point performance, complemented by eight rebounds. Her outstanding effort fueled the Donettes' offense as they finished their season with an impressive 29 wins and just 2 losses.
The backdrop for this historic evening was the MSHSAA Class 4 Show-Me Showdown, where, for the first time, both boys and girls teams from Benton played for state titles on the same day. It reflected the team's growing prowess in high school basketball, culminating in an exciting day for players, fans, and the community.
Benton’s boys team, with a record of 25-6, entered the finals for the third time in four years. Their past performances included taking second place in the previous two seasons and fourth place in 2020-2021. The last time Benton claimed a state title was during their perfect 32-0 campaign in 2015-2016.
Although the Benton boys team was unable to overcome the Wolverines, falling victim to Vashon's skilled lineup, the girls competed fiercely against Doniphan. The Lady Cardinals averaged 67.6 points per game during the season, a testament to their high-octane offense, though their defense allowed an average of 47.9 points to opponents.
The atmosphere at the Mizzou Arena buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered to witness these fierce competitors. The boys' championship tipped off earlier in the evening, showcasing Vashon's established legacy and dominance in Missouri's high school basketball scene.
In the girls' championship, the Doniphan and Benton matchup was marked by intense gameplay. The first quarter saw Benton take a slight lead, but the Donettes fought back to equalize by halftime, leading to a competitive second half.
While both teams exchanged leads throughout the game, Hagood’s performance was decisive, significantly contributing to Doniphan’s first championship triumph. Her exceptional skills on the court provided the Donettes with the edge needed against Benton, as Doniphan maintained composure in the final moments to secure the win.
As the game wrapped up, jubilation erupted among the Doniphan players and fans, fueled by the culmination of years of hard work in the sport. They had broken through to achieve success after years of promising seasons and near-misses in playoffs.
In summary, March 22, 2025, will be remembered as a historic day for Missouri high school basketball as Vashon and Doniphan celebrated their state championship victories, reflecting the culmination of talent, dedication, and community support within their respective programs. Both teams, standing tall and victorious on the court, embodied the spirit of competition and the joy of achievement, inspiring future generations of athletes.
