Principia’s boys’ basketball set out in December to take on the most elite competition in the country and returned home with a coveted national ranking. Accolades poured in from national news outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated, along with praise and support from our home community.
Competing in three of the most exclusive tournaments in the country—City of Palms Classic in Florida, Hoopfest in Tennessee, and The Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Missouri—the Panthers have been tested their grit on the national stage against the best teams in the country.
As the only Missouri team invited to the City of Palms Classic in Florida, the Panthers entered the tournament ranked last among the 16 teams. But after igniting their mantra of high-minded, hard-fighting basketball, they brought home an awe-inspiring third place win, and a first of its kind national ranking for Principia School basketball.
Thrilled with the team’s performance, Head Coach Jay Blossom said, “I couldn't be happier for my guys, and how they conducted themselves. When you play on a national level like that, you just hope to compete—but our guys went down there with the mindset to win.”
Just as electrifying as the action on the court was the roar of the “sixth man”—Principia alumni—who showed up in force, bringing the Gold & Blue school spirit, snack packs for the team, and even a van to take the team out for post-game for dinners.
“I have to give a huge shout-out to [Senior Director of Alumni & Field Relations] Merrilee McFarland (US’99, C’03) and the alumni,” said Blossom. “They turned the tournament into a home-away-from-home. Just to hear the roar of the crowd was really special for our guys. It was great to see the alumni and the Principia community down there supporting the kids.”
But true to its 127-year tradition at Principia, winning is one thing, but a true win shows not only on the scoreboard, but in the sportsmanship, dignity, and teamwork embodied by the players themselves.
Highlighting the team’s commitment to sportsmanship, Athletic Director Shawn Brown (US’00, C’04) said, “They play their kind of basketball—the epitome of aggressiveness without antagonism. When somebody goes down, there’s always a hand reaching out to help them up. It’s that high-mindedness on display where the team is playing at a high level, but doing it the right way.”
“I think our guys are the epitome of what Principia is all about, both on and off the court,” said Blossom. “They're leaders in the school, they’re leaders in their classrooms, and leaders on the court.”
Led by Senior Wake Forest commit Quentin, the Panthers won the Jefferson City Holiday Hoops Tournament. On the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions stage—in front of over 10,000 fans—the Panthers claimed third place, along with the prestigious Dr. Edsel Matthews Team Sportsmanship Award.
To top it all off, Junior Gassim took home perhaps the most coveted individual trophy—the tournament dunk contest title! The top players at the tournament competed, with one contestant flying in a superman cape over one of his teammates. But—with no cape necessary—Gassim, on his first try, soared effortlessly over three of his Principia teammates, scoring perfect 10s from all the judges. The photo taken of that shot became the photo of the tournament. (Pro tip: if you don't have an Instagram account, close the pop-up window and click the arrow on the first photo to see the dunk.)
“I think our guys are the epitome of what Principia is all about, both on and off the court,” said Blossom. “They're leaders in the school, they’re leaders in their classrooms, and leaders on the court.”
Blossom added, “I'm looking forward to seeing our guys play and be successful in college, and to see them be successful in their jobs, their families, and their futures. That type of thing makes me more excited than the wins.”