“We’re just starting to click”: Cape Central basketball rolls to Christmas Tournament title, rounding into form heading into 2024

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – After he graduates in the spring, Cape Girardeau Central High School senior Jaydon Reynolds will be staying at home to play basketball at Southeast Missouri State, but before that, he and the rest of the Tigers conquered the 16-team field at the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament at SEMO’s home arena. 

“It’s for sure special, you know, just seeing the crowd and just kind of imagining yourself in that SEMO Redhawks uniform next year,” Reynolds said. “It’s super special, but right now, my focus is on this team and what we have for the rest of the season because that’s also really special, too.” 

The Tigers defeated Jackson in the championship game for the second straight season, and Cape Central sophomores TySeanDre’ Edwards and Marquel Murray said the fan support the team receives is a driving factor for the energy they play with on the court.  

“We come out here and turn up for our fanbase,” Edwards said. “It’s a great atmosphere.” 

“The student section had us really turned up, I’m not gonna lie,” Murray said. “That’s how we really won the game.” 

Murray was one of three players to return for this tournament, and despite losing some key players from last year’s team, head coach Drew Church likes the position his team is in heading into the new calendar year. 

“We played the first seven games without our whole team, so we’re kind of just starting to click,” Church said. “They’re just good kids to be around, fun kids to be around. They work hard, they get along great, so I just enjoy being around them.”