Thunder fall in district final to Penney

By Phil Cobb | March 5, 2026 |

Nodaway Valley junior Grey Hunt plays defense Saturday against Penney in St. Joseph.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Nodaway Valley Thunder closed out one of the most memorable seasons in program history at the Class 2 District 16 championship game.

The Thunder entered the night as the tournament’s top seed with an outstanding 23–3 overall record. They also carried the momentum of an undefeated run through the Highway 275 Conference.

That conference title marked the first in program history, already cementing the season as special.

Standing in their way was the third seed Penney Hornets out of the KCI Conference. The Hornets netted a 66-63 victory.

From the opening tip, the energy inside the gym was undeniable. Penney struck first, scoring the game’s opening basket and setting an aggressive tone.

Jax Cowden made his presence known early, attacking the basket and creating scoring opportunities. Tye Hoyt followed with a strong finish at the rim, helping Nodaway Valley maintain early momentum.

However, Hamilton responded quickly and began to settle into its rhythm. The Hornets used timely outside shooting and strong interior play to build a lead.

At one point in the first half, Hamilton stretched the advantage to double digits. Yet the Thunder remained composed.

“Coming out tonight, the atmosphere is loud,” Nodaway Valley coach Shawn Emerson said. “You have fans loud and roaring. … District finals, you just expect it. We had two really strong supportive communities, and they came out tonight and showed up for us, so, its great to see, great support”

Braxton McGinness delivered in critical moments, converting multiple free throws to keep his team within striking distance.

Deontrae Mincy added valuable points at the line as well, demonstrating poise under pressure.

Defensively, Tyler Gray battled tirelessly in the paint. He focused on boxing out, contesting shots, and limiting second-chance opportunities.

His physical presence and discipline were key factors in keeping the contest competitive.

By halftime, despite momentum swings, the Thunder were still within reach. The second half mirrored the first, with Hamilton maintaining a narrow lead.

“There’s a roller coaster in that first half, they stretched it all the way to 10 twice, and we got closer,” Emerson said. “And then, when you think their big guy goes out, you think things might happen, but then we have 2 of our starters fall out too.

“Just a game of attrition and they just, fought through it a little better than we did.”

Every time the Hornets threatened to pull away, Nodaway Valley responded. Cowden continued to attack offensively, finishing through contact.

Hoyt added another key basket to cut into the deficit. McGinness calmly stepped to the free-throw line again, knocking down crucial shots.

As the fourth quarter progressed, tension filled the gymnasium. With less than two minutes remaining, the Thunder tied the game at 59. The crowd erupted, sensing a potential late-game rally.

The atmosphere reflected exactly what is expected in a district championship setting.

However, foul trouble soon shifted the momentum.

Deontrae Mincy fouled out during the closing stretch. Shortly after, Braxton McGinness was also forced to exit with five fouls.

Gray later joined them on the bench after fouling out as well.

Hamilton faced its own foul difficulties but capitalized at the free-throw line down the stretch.

“During halftime I kept telling my boys to keep grinding, they’ve done it all year,” Emerson said. “This is a game where it could have gone either way there at the end and they had more shots fall.

“They had more free throws and just closed out the game better than we did.”

The Hornets converted seven crucial free throws in the final minutes. Those opportunities ultimately proved decisive.

When the final buzzer sounded, Hamilton secured the 66–63 victory.

Despite the outcome, the Thunder’s resilience was evident until the very end.

“This team has been a family to me because of the close friendships and bonds we’ve created throughout the years together, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play with this group of people,” Gray said.

He pointed to the undefeated conference season as his favorite memory.

“Going undefeated in conference and beating Rock Port three times.”

On his defensive approach during the championship game, Gray explained, “I just focused on making him uncomfortable, moving him out of his spots, and making sure to box him out every possession.”

As he looks back on his senior season, he added, “Being on this team and playing with these guys has meant a lot to me, and I wouldn’t want to play with any other group because of everything we’ve accomplished and all of the hard work we’ve put in, and I’m grateful for the person my coach has made me today.”

Although the Thunder fell just short of a district championship, the 2025–26 season will be remembered for its achievements