Next generation of NMCC Eagles prepared to defend crown

A new era of New Madrid County Central boys’ basketball tips off this season.

The Eagles, who have soared to the pinnacle of Missouri high school basketball with back-to-back Class 3 state championships, now face the daunting task of maintaining their dominance without some of their most celebrated players in school history.

As the two-time defending state champions, the Eagles are no strangers to the pressures of high expectations. However, the departure of key players, including the 2024 Mr. Show-Me and Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, Jadis Jones, leaves a significant void in their lineup.

Despite these challenges, the Eagles are not without hope. The return of senior forwards Returning to the court are senior forwards Ra’Mond Brooks and Marvion Cranford, both of whom bring valuable experience and size to the team.

Brooks, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 170 pounds, embodies the archetype of a conventional basketball player with his tall, long, and lean frame.

Last season, he shot an impressive 63 percent from the field, averaging 8.1 points per game, along with 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals.

Cranford, at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, was an All-SEMO-Central Conference selection on both the offensive and defensive line in football this past fall, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. He contributed 6.7 points per game, shooting 55 percent from the field, and averaged 4.7 rebounds and nearly a steal per game last season.

These two seniors will need to step out of the shadows and take charge if the Eagles are to replicate their past successes. Their ability to lead and inspire a largely inexperienced team will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

Beyond Brooks and Cranford, the Eagles have a roster filled with promising talent. Junior guard Ja’Kwon Jones, junior Charlie Resonno, junior Malakhi Hughes, sophomore Jaden Guest-Newsome, freshman guard Jayden Williams, and freshman Kylin Robinson are all athletes who have made their mark on the football field this past fall.

This group’s athleticism and competitive spirit will be vital as they transition to the basketball court.

Eagles’ second-year head coach Dontre Jenkins, acknowledges the need to identify players who can contribute offensively, given the loss of their top two scorers from last season.

However, he remains confident in the team’s defensive capabilities.

“Even though we will have a lot of new guys on the varsity,” he said. “I believe we will be able to get after it on the defensive end.”

This defensive tenacity will be the foundation upon which the Eagles build their game, aiming to turn defense into offense and capitalize on scoring opportunities in transition.

The coach envisions a fast-paced style of play, emphasizing the importance of defense in creating offensive chances.

“We’re going to try to play fast and let our defense turn into our offense, being able to score in transition,” he explained.

This approach aligns with the team’s short-term goal of improving with every game and their long-term ambition of making another deep playoff run.

NMCC opens the season against Cuba in the Riverbend Classic on Friday, Nov. 29 and will compete in Class 3, District 1 this season.