Despite state semifinal defeat, Central basketball made it known that it's here to stay
COLUMBIA — When Jordan Epps took over the Central basketball program before the 2021-22 season, he was determined to turn the Bulldogs into a winner and one that could compete for championships.
Championships? At Central? The same school that hadn't had a winning record in the last decade? A program that hadn't qualified for the state semifinals since 1963?
Epps didn't care about the challenges or history. He was determined to make it happen.
On Friday night, Epps stood on the Mizzou Arena sideline and watched his team compete. A program once considered an area afterthought was becoming a power in front of his eyes.
It didn't matter that the Bulldogs came up on the wrong end of a 70-59 Class 6 semifinal game against Cardinal Ritter. It's evident Central is heading in the right direction and better days are likely ahead.
More: Central basketball falls to Cardinal Ritter in Missouri Class 6 semifinal
"When I took this program over a few years ago and to see where we are right now, I'm definitely grateful and proud of them," Epps said. "But we're still not satisfied. We'll definitely be back. We'll definitely be contenders. I hope these guys are ready to keep it going like I am."
A historic season for the Central Bulldogs will end in the Class 6 third-place game on Saturday afternoon against Oak Park. No matter the result, it will mark the end of a year that will rightfully be celebrated.
Central's season included its first Blue and Gold Tournament championship in 40 years. It included its first district championship since 2009. It included an appearance at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions and an Ozark Conference championship.
It also featured a season of hard-working kids who seemed to make some sort of history each time they took the court.
Previously: Central basketball wins first district title in 15 years with dramatic win over Kickapoo
"We wanted to win but we can still go make history tomorrow and finish out the season on a good note," junior star Keion Epps said. "It's been special because a lot of this hasn't been done in a whole bunch of years. We felt good with it but we're not satisfied until we get state."
Those dreams won't be out of the question for Central moving forward. It returns everyone but one standout senior as it will attempt to win two games in Columbia next season.
Keion Epps, Dru Wells, Bryce Walker, Devin Sanford, Jordan Pittman, Bryce Walker and others got a taste of a deep postseason run and will only be hungrier moving forward. Jordan Epps promised young names on the roster will become players to know soon.
Friday's result will only motivate the Bulldogs more. Throughout the season, Jordan Epps increased the intensity and expectations throughout the year. Knowing a state championship contender is practicing on the floor at The Pit, the coach will ramp up the intensity even more for it to reach its full potential.
Previously: Central wins first Blue and Gold title in 40 years after Gold Division win over Glendale
Jordan Epps looked at his team after the game and let it know he was proud of it. There is much to be proud of and much to look forward to.
Central isn't going anywhere. The Bulldogs are here to stay.
The Bulldogs appear to be just getting started.
"This was a really special group," Jordan Epps said. "Now they know what it's like when you get down here, the competition, the atmosphere and everything that goes into reaching the final four. We just need to come out tomorrow, do our best and hopefully go back home with the third-place trophy.
"And then we start preparing for next year."
Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield News-Leader. You can contact him at 417-371-6987, by email at wwheeler@news-leader.com or X at @WyattWheeler_NL.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Central basketball reflects on historic season after semifinal loss
