Principia Boys’ Basketball did it again—and they did it with explosive speed, lightning-quick transitions, and dead-eye shooting from the field, the line, and beyond the arc. Electrifying the crowd with gold and blue spirit, Principia put on a master class for students, faculty, alumni—and the state—in their 98-34 victory over Miller Career Academy to win their second straight Class 3 boys’ state championship in Mizzou Arena.
The team’s mantra, “TTW,” or “Toughest Team Wins,” is Coach Jay Blossom’s overarching strategy: “We want to win the rebounding battle. We want to talk more than the other team. We want to take charges.” This singular drive came to life on the court with a stunning first half that ultimately earned Quentin, Sekou, Wyatt, Gassim, and Kingston All-State honors.
“This is one of the best teams I've ever coached, and I’ve coached some good teams,” said Blossom. “We just told our guys we want to play our absolute best game the last time we're on the court together.” And as back-to-back state champions, they did just that, delivering a performance that cemented the Panthers as the second highest scoring team in State Final Four history.
Player of the Year, senior Quentin, put on a scoring clinic with 50 points—the second-most points scored in State Final Four history—along with eight rebounds, three assists, and perfection from the line shooting 9 for 9 before Blossom pulled him early in the fourth quarter. Visibly moved as he reached the bench, Quentin was clearly emotional, knowing he’d delivered an all-star performance in his last high school game.
Up and down the roster, the Panthers brought high-minded, hard-fighting grit—anchored in sportsmanship that earned praise by referees and coaches throughout the season. “It's also acting the right way on and off the court,” said Blossom. “Our guys play hard, but they play the right way. They have so much respect for the game.”
The state trophy displayed in Simon Fieldhouse signifies the teamwork, dedication, and dominance of the Panthers. For Coach Blossom, it also represents something more personal. “I’ve fallen in love with the school and the people at the school," he said. "The way our guys went back-to-back—this senior class I had was really special. I'm happy they get to go out as winners.”