ALTON — Marquette Catholic’s Chase Jones scored 33 points to lead the Explorers to a 67-64 overtime victory over No. 9-ranked Columbia on Dec. 29, 2025, during the Columbia-Freeburg Holiday Tournament.
The win marked Marquette Catholic’s 11th of the season under head coach Steve Medford. Jones, a sophomore, was named to the All-Tournament team alongside teammates Carson Jones and Cam Golike. Additionally, Chase Jones was recognized as Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month.
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Coach Medford praised the team’s attitude and effort, emphasizing their progress. “Our kids are getting better and better. Chase Jones will be an absolute monster the next two years if he continues to develop the way he has recently,” Medford said.
Reflecting on Jones’ performance in the Columbia-Freeburg Holiday Tournament championship, Medford added, “He had an incredible game. What is pleasing about Chase is: I look at the scoreboard and see him score 30 points.
"A month ago, he never asked to guard the best player on the court. Now he wants to take that role. In the championship, he guarded Columbia's best player, and I asked him to score and also bring the ball up the court. For a sophomore, that is a lot, but he is doing it well."
Chase Jones and the Explorers continue their season with growing confidence after the tournament victory over Columbia.
Marquette Catholic hosts Hillsboro at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.
