One of the best Bass Pro Tournament of Champions yet finished up on Saturday night.

Officially the most attended Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in history, night three of the 2022 edition wrapped everything up nicely. JQH was packed Saturday to nobody’s surprise, building on the ToC’s claim to being the most heavily attended prep tournament in the country.

In most tournaments, a seventh-place game would not be worth noting. However, the Bass Pro ToC was stacked this year, and we got an exciting game between local and outside talent.

New Madrid County Central was able to defeat Springfield Catholic behind Jadis Jones’ 15 point, seven-rebound effort. As usual, Zach Howell inflicted major damage for the Irish, netting 26 points coming from all three levels. Look for Howell’s stock to rocket soon as big-time programs snap out of it and take notice.

“I’ve been saying it for a while now: Zach Howell is one of the top high school shooters in the country,” Rob Yanders says. “It isn’t just shooting either; he can take it to the cup, hit floaters, and find teammates when he drives. He is a threat to punish defenses anytime he has the ball.”

The fifth-place game was a local affair, pitting Parkview against Nixa. Parkview had a knack for keeping games close all tourney long, but they were on the wrong side this time as Nixa won 48-44. Colin Ruffin had 14 points to go along with seven boards and four assists for the Eagles. He was the game’s only double-digit scorer.

In the battle for bronze, Milton rightly took home the W with a dominating performance over Whitney Young.  Bruce Thorton of Milton had 34 points and may have had the best individual performance of any player in the tournament.

“Everyone knew (Amari) Bailey was going to show out, and most people know Zach (Howell) would put on a show,” Yanders says. “This kid Thorton must have a chip on his shoulder. That guy was cold.”

The championship game featured Paul VI going against Sierra Canyon. While the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers were the favorites, tourney MVP Dug McDaniel (Michigan commit) and Paul VI came away victorious.

McDaniel had 18, but it was a surprise 23 from DeShawn Harris-Smith that put Paul VI over the top.

Amari Bailey had 18 for Sierra Canyon, and tourney-goers finally got to see Bronny James flash his upside with his 13 point, six-board performance (5-14 FG, 2 steals).

The Bass Pro Tournament of Champions is always a blast for local basketball fans and voracious hoop-heads. As always, the talent level impressed, and Bronny James and Sierra Canyon drew a crowd like never before. The Basketball Movement always enjoys covering this event, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.

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