Webster Groves Statesmen boys basketball wins Class 5 MSHSAA title
WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. — Justin Mathes, Webster Groves head boys basketball coach, indicated this year was the fifth in the school鈥檚 history, and the third title in six years for his team, due to back-to-back state championship teams in 2017 & 2018 led by Courtney Ramey.
They also won the top tier of the Suburban Conference this year for the third consecutive year. They have won a conference championship 20 of the last 21 seasons. They also have 20 or more wins in 18 consecutive seasons.
They achieved the ultimate goal of winning a state title by defeating two-time defending champions, Cardinal Ritter in the semi-final. This was a really tough game where they made six consecutive free throws in the final minute to seal the deal. They defeated Hellas Catholic in the championship game by 19 points.
They took control early, leading 34-11 at halftime. They also won the Webster Classic and Coaches vs. Cancer Holiday Tournament.
Senior captains, Matt Enright and Ethan Chartrand were vital to their success because of their leadership and the experience they brought to the game. Ethan averaged 15 points per game, and Matt averaged 16 points per game. They were both the team鈥檚 best defenders and both did an excellent job against high-level players in the championship game.
Matt also joined the 1000-point club at Webster Groves this year. Matt and Ethan set the tone for their culture and how hard they were going to work. They were usually the first in the gym, and the last to leave. They had such a special season because their best players were their hardest workers.
One of their seniors for all their home games and makes sure he joins them.
The team had two starters who played very few varsity minutes last year as freshman. Sophomores Gianni Ferentinos and Iziah Purvey both had breakout seasons this year. They competed well on the biggest stages and were never wide-eyed. They are excited to have them back for two more seasons.
To celebrate their achievement, the team hit Coach Mathes with the jug in the locker room after the game, so it was a wet and cold ride for him back from Springfield. Matt was back in the gym getting a shooting workout within 48 hours of winning State. Coach Mathes met with Jostens two days later to design their state champion rings.
Besides Matt reaching 1,000 points this season, their team was the best 3-point shooting team in school history.
Carrying on the strong tradition of Statemen Hoops this year, their season class wanted to leave a legacy, so their team photo will forever hang in Roberts Gym. The team鈥檚 mantra has always been, TTW (toughest team wins). Their tallest player this year was 6鈥�4鈥� and they won the State Championship. They did it by being the toughest team and outworking others. That makes this achievement much more special.
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