De Smet Jesuit slips past Vianney to advance to state title game

De Smet Jesuit used a 16-4 run to take a 12-point lead into halftime and the Spartans led by senior big man Nolan Berry held on in the final moments for a 58-55 victory over Vianney in a Class 5 semifinal Friday afternoon at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.
De Smet Jesuit (25-6), winners of 15 of its last 16 games will play Rockhurst (25-5) for for the Class 5 championship Saturday at 6:40 p.m.

Rockhurst, which knocked off Columbia Hickman to advance, defeated De Smet Jesuit 75-66 back on January 31.

Berry, who is bound for Butler University had a strong opening half of play as the Spartans inside force finished the night with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocked shots.

Alec Baush also came up big scoring 13 points while Spartans point-guard Jimmy Barton had 12 points and Brand Shackelford added 10.

Brad Woodson, led the way for Vianney (22-9), with 22 points as Vianney, which was making its first state semifinal appearance will play Hickman (26-3) Saturday in the third place game at 11:30 a.m.

The win over Vianney was the Spartans third this season as De Smet Jesuit beat the Golden Griffins 63-39 on Jan. 15. and 61-47 on Feb. 5.