For the first time since the 2012-13 season, the Washington Blue Jays captured a boys basketball district championship.
Playing in the championship game of the Class 6 District 8 Tournament Thursday, March 4, at Washington High School, the top-seeded Blue Jays knocked off third-seeded Rock Bridge, 66-53.
Washington defeated fourth-seeded Battle in the semifinals at home on Monday, March 1, 68-61.
It was another balanced scoring attack for the Grant Young’s Blue Jays against Rock Bridge, which has been their story all season long.
Zac Coulter led the way with 17 points. Jason Sides added 16 points. Todd Bieg collected 10 points and six rebounds. Jack Lackman scored nine points. Brigham Broadbent added eight points. Jarrett Hamlett had six points.
Coulter also led Washington against Battle with 24 points. Broadbent added 14 points. Bieg and Sides both scored 11 points.
Washington (18-7) advances to the Class 6 sectional round on Tuesday, March 9, at 6 p.m. The Blue Jays will play either Troy or Wentzville Liberty. Those two teams play for the District 7 title Friday night.
Click here for the MSHSAA Class 6 boys basketball playoff bracket.
The Washington Blue Jays claimed the Class 6 District 8 Basketball championship with a 66-53 win over Rock Bridge. Kneeling, from left, are Kaner Young, Dylan Bartlett, Brayden McColloch, Ryan Jostes and Todd Bobo. Standing, from left, are Assistant Coach Adam Meyer, Head Coach Grant Young, Brigham Broadbent, Jarrett Hamlett, Will Gleeson, Jason Sides, Todd Bieg, Zac Coulter, Carter Kleekamp, Jack Lackman, Mark Hensley, Chase Merryman, and Assistant Coaches Bill Juengel and Jeff Hamlett.
Pictured with the district championship plaque are Washington’s eight seniors. From left are Todd Bieg, Will Gleeson, Jack Lackman, Jason Sides, Zac Coulter, Carter Kleekamp, Jarrett Hamlett and Brigham Broadbent.
Blue Jay seniors pictured with their mothers.
Celebrating with the district plaque, from left, are Luke Kroeter, Jack Lackman, Zac Coulter, Will Gleeson, Jason Sides and Calvin Straatmann.