MHS To Host Districts for Boys Basketball

Carla Baydoun and Samantha Perz • January 14, 2026

Ayden Lemons, junior, faces a Francis Howell player in a varsity basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 22 2025. In March, Lemons and other players will compete in basketball Districts hosted at MHS.

The crowd roars as Ayden Lemons, junior, dunks the ball, helping the varsity boys basketball team beat Eureka High School 69-62 on Friday, Jan. 9.

Lemons said the team will play Eureka again at Districts, which will be hosted at MHS from Tuesday, March 3, to Saturday, March 7.

“It’ll be a lot of people there for sure, a lot of energy and trash-talking,” Lemons said. “It’s most definitely a privilege to play on a home court and protect our court.”

The last time MHS hosted boys basketball Districts was in 2021. Activities Director Adam Starling said MHS was voted to host districts this year by the other seven participating schools: Eureka, Lafayette, Parkway West, Parkway South, Waynesville, Northwest and Rolla.

“This year we have multiple seniors that are a huge part of the team, for the boys basketball team,” Starling said. “That was why Coach Hoffman thought this year would be a great year for us to be able to host and give them that opportunity to play their last district tournament on our home floor.”

Starling said teams will play on Tuesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 5, with the title game taking place on Saturday, March 7. Each day, two games will be played at MHS and two games will be played at the highest-seeded school.

Derek Hoffman, varsity boys basketball head coach, said Rolla will likely be the number one seed in the tournament.

All spectators must pay a $6 entrance fee, which is sent to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). Starling said Tim Bowdern, varsity girls basketball head coach, runs the concession stand and directs profits to the girls basketball teams.

Aside from helping fund the basketball program, Hoffman said hosting districts gives the team the advantage of being familiar with the gym.

“One of the teams in our district is Parkway West, and they have a lot of space between the base line and their wall, so the depth perception can throw off shooters,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman also said Stang Gang has always provided a home court advantage. Higher turnout gives the players more energy, which will help during Districts.

“You’ve got younger kids that might be thinking about maybe not attending Marquette that live in our attendance zone that decide this is really cool, seeing how much the community supports the athletes,” Hoffman said.

boy's varsity basketball

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About the Contributors

Carla Baydoun, Staff Reporter

Carla Baydoun, sophomore, is a staff reporter for the Marquette Messenger, with this being her first semester on staff. Aside from Newspaper, she is also involved in Student Council and works as a scorekeeper for Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed. In her free time, Carla enjoys singing and music, as well as socializing with her friends and family.

Samantha Perz, Co-Editor In Chief

Samantha Perz, senior, is one of the editors-in-chief of the Messenger, with this being her third year on staff. She is also involved in Student Council and Key Club. Outside of school, Samantha dances competitively, runs track in the spring, and loves exploring local coffee shops with her friends.

Stephan Bosnjak, Co-Executive Producer

Stephan Bosnjak, senior, is Co-Executive Producer of MHSNews. This is his second year on staff. Stephan is also involved in Marquette Theater Company, Festival of Nations, MHS Geography Club, and more throughout the year.