West County Boys Win District Title With Thrilling Comeback Victory

The West County boys’ basketball team overcame a 16-point second-half deficit to pull out a thrilling 61-60 victory over Jefferson and advance to the state sectionals as MSHSAA Class 3 District 3 champions on Friday night.

The win was all the more incredible due to the team losing Caden Merrill to injury on Wednesday. After the game, West County head coach Chris LaBruyere tried to put the moment into words.

Jefferson led most of the way thanks largely to strong perimeter shooting, including 20 points and six threes from CJ Johnson.

But West County hung around due to consistent inside scoring from Chasten Horton, who posted a 23-point double-double.

In the fourth quarter, Jefferson missed several key free throws and West County finally found their shot from outside the arc, including two huge threes off the bench from Bryce Martin.

In the waning seconds, Levi Hale found himself open off an inbounds play, and Ty Harlow fed him for the winning basket.

Jefferson got one more chance, but Jaxon Campbell and Lance Monroe played the defense and West County held on.

Jefferson head coach Sean Breeze expressed his disappointment but remained positive about his team’s season as a whole.

Horton reflected on the bond he has with his teammates and everything they’ve been through together.

West County wins its first district title since 2009. They improve to 15-11 while Jefferson ends its season at 14-12. West County plays next on Monday at 7:45 in the state sectionals against Maplewood-Richmond Heights.