Jackson wins MaxPreps Holiday Classic title

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — Capital Christian outscored Jackson by 10 points in the fourth quarter of the MaxPreps Holiday Classic.

Fortunately for the Timberwolves, they led by 19 going in.

Jackson got off to a fast start and held off a charging Cougars team to become the first team not from the state of California to win the 11th annual MaxPreps Holiday Classic with a 54-45 win over Capital Christian, of Sacramento, Calif., in the championship game late Monday night.

“It’s awesome. It’s a great feather in our cap,” said Jackson head coach Steve Johnson. “I told the guys as exciting as it is and as proud as I am to represent our state we have other goals moving forward down the road. No question for us though, to clinch a prestigious tournament like this, we’re honored and thrilled.”

Click here to view tweets about Jackson’s MaxPreps Holiday Classic win.

The Timberwolves got off to a quick start with a 10-2 run in the first quarter that was spearheaded by two Dan Kingma 3-pointers. Kingma had two more in the second quarter and tallied 14 of his 18 points by halftime. Jackson led 24-16 at the half.

Jackson sophomore Sam Saufferer had five straight points in the third quarter for Jackson, which padded its lead with a 19-8 advantage in the quarter.

“It was great to start out with some confidence,” Johnson said. “You always want to start off on a positive note. The game kind of went our way early, mostly because Dan was shooting so well. We were able to find him and get good shots.”

However, the Timberwolves would be thankful for all of them in the fourth.

Capital Christian scored the first eight points of the final period and kept Jackson scoreless until Brian Zehr got a basket with 5:10 left in the quarter. A 3-pointer and free throw by D.J. Wilson capped a 19-6 Capital Christian run that saw the Cougars get within six, 49-43.

But the Timberwolves, who shot 7-of-9 from the free throw line, closed the game out with a pair of free throws by Kingma and Jason Todd to seal the win.

“They’re a quick athletic team. I thought they’d make a run,” Johnson said. “I thought we got a little carried away. The game wasn’t over. We weren’t ready for the intensity they were going to bring. But that happens. Fortunately, we had a big enough lead. Now we have something to work on.”

Todd, who was named the tournament’s most valuable player, had a double double in every game of the tournament and continued that streak Monday night. Todd finished with 11 points and played tough defense, including Wilson who he helped hold scoreless until the fourth quarter.

Connor Willgress had eight points for Jackson and Zehr — who had the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer in the Timberwolves’ 53-52 semifinal win over Long Beach Poly — added six.

Jackson, which finished second in the 4A state tournament last season, left for Southern California on Christmas evening undefeated, albeit having played only two games.

Four games later Jackson will return to its home state still undefeated, after winning the 11th annual MaxPreps Holiday Classic.

Tyler Jennings had a game-high 20 points for Capital Christian. Wilson added 10, all coming in the Cougars’ fourth-quarter run.

At Rancho Mirage H.S.

Jackson 12 12 19 11 — 54

Capital Christian 7 9 8 21 — 45

Jackson—Nick Hovorka, Dan Kingma 18, Jason Todd 11, Brian Zehr 6, Marcus Blake 4, Holden Roberts 2, Connor Willgress 8, Sam Saufferer 5, Blake Ozuna 0. Capital Christian—Uchenna Iroegbu 6, D.J. Wilson 9, Jason Hope, Marcelas Perry 4, Tyler Jennings 20, Justice Mosely 2, Edward Ware 2, Nick Aibuedefe 2, Tiegen Jones 0. 3-point goals—Kingma 4, Todd 1, Blake 1, Saufferer 1, Jennings 3, Wilson 1. Records—Jackson 6-0 overall. Capital Christian 14-2.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.