Controlling from the outset, Hogan Prep of Kansas City won its first-ever state championship in basketball on Saturday, defeating Strafford 61-46 in Missouri’s Class 3 final at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.
Class 3 Final: Hogan Prep Bests Stafford 61-46, Wins First-Ever State Title
Hogan Prep (23-8), a state runner-up in 2010, took a 32-20 lead into the half and was never seriously challenged in the game. Strafford (27-4) cut the lead to eight numerous times but never got closer.
The story of the game was 3-point shooting, which led to the 15-point victory despite Hogan Prep’s making only three more field goals. Hogan Prep was 7-of-13 on threes while Stafford could only manage one of 11. Hogan Prep also dominated Strafford in bench points, 14-0.
Broderick Newbill led the way for Hogan Prep with 17 points, including three treys and a perfect four of four from the free-throw line. Maurice Mason contributed 12 points and was 9-of-10 from the line.
Jared Yarberry, Anthony Peters and Connor Wilson headed the Strafford attack with 12, 12 and 10 points, respectively. Peters and Wilson both had seven boards.
Strafford, a school outside Springfield in southern Missouri, hadn’t scored over 51 points in any of its previous four playoff games. Hogan Prep was able to continue that streak but was also able to break through the tough Strafford defense unlike previous opponents.
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