Derrick Webb, Managing Editor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
MINFORD — Jackson Shoemaker may not score 20 points each night and he may not grab headlines after program-defining victories.
But make no mistake about it … his presence alone, especially in big games, does the heavy lifting.
Shoemaker’s silent leadership has helped Minford enjoy the best season in school history this winter. The Falcons have compiled a 25-1 record and are still flying high after capturing the program’s first district championship since 1995 — thanks to a 60-49 win over Zane Trace.
They’ve won two games and a regional title since. But that district title victory is still the centerpiece of the run.
CREDIT: Raymond Gleadle/SOSA
In Shoemaker’s sophomore and junior seasons, Minford managed to advance to the district championship game but fell in both occurrences — each loss came at the hands of North Adams by scores of 54-46 and 70-61.
So when the group was finally able to chase the monkey off their backs, everything after was just icing on the cake.
“This journey has been amazing for me and the team,” Shoemaker said. “It feels great to finally achieve how much we have after coming up short the past two seasons. I believe that those two heartbreaking losses we experienced really brought us together and made us buy into the program even more. I think my favorite part about this year’s team is how close we have come together and how much we want to see each other succeed. In the locker room, we always preach about playing for the man to your right and giving every ounce of energy you have for your teammates. I believe this philosophy has really brought us together and has made our performance in practice and games much better.”
While the Falcons now look towards a Division V state semifinal matchup, Shoemaker is just trying to do what he’s done best all year long — anything his team needs at any time.
It may be an offensive rebound, it may be a 3, it may be a score after a nifty post move. But whatever the case, he simply gets the job done.
Take the regional championship win over Chesapeake for example when he scored 12 points and brought down seven rebounds. Those numbers helped the Falcons take down the 23-win Panthers and claim their first-ever regional title.
“I feel like I’ve embraced my role pretty well,” Shoemaker said. “I try to bring whatever we need on a nightly basis, whether it’s rebounds, defense, energy, or a bucket if we need one. I also just try to let the game come to me and find whoever has the hot hand at the moment.”
There’s plenty of hot hands to go around.
The team’s offense is led by seniors Bennett Kayser and Myles Mongtomery while Shoemaker, Ashton Reeder and Kade Glockner lend their services as needed. When you add Curtis Glenn and Ty Borland off the bench, you get a group that throws haymakers, able to run with the best teams in the state.
“The first thing we talked about in the locker room after winning our first district title together was how much relief we felt,” Shoemaker said. “I think losing and being so close to winning a district title really put a burden on all of us. It was something that kind of just hid in the back of our heads and had us all constantly thinking about it. With that being said, we are all stoked to be playing in our school’s first Final 4. It’s been an amazing year for Minford sports and we are all glad to be adding to the hot streak.”
Shoemaker is in a different position than any of his teammates. His head coach is his father, Josh.
That adds more pressure, more expectations and more spotlight on mistakes he may make.
But considering the duo has pieced together an overall mark of 84-13 during their four years together, it seems like none of that has ever mattered. They’ve figured out the key to success.
“Playing for my dad has been such a blessing in my life. I’ve come to realize that he’s always going to be one of my biggest supporters, but also the one who makes me work the hardest because he wants to see me succeed,” Shoemaker said. “We’ve had our moments, but we always try to make up at the end of the day. One thing we always try to stick to is having a different relationship on the court versus at home. It may not work sometimes, but it helps for the most part.”
The only thing standing in the path of Shoemaker and his teammates en route to the Division V State Championship game is Cleveland Heights Lutheran East.
CREDIT: Erica Fike/SOSA
Their Falcon counterparts enter the state semifinal with a 23-4 record after a 64-59 win over Richmond Heights in their regional championship contest and 13 consecutive victories.
Having said that, Minford will not be favored — outside of its own locker room at least.
But when the two step in between the lines at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the ECO Center, there’s not one ounce of outside noise that matters. It’s Shoemaker and his teammates against whoever else or, as they like to say, “Muletown vs. the World.”
“I believe the key to pulling it off this weekend is being gritty and trying to outwork them at every position. They may have more talent than us and have a few guys that have offers, but I think that we can outwork them as a team,” Shoemaker said. “We really need to value the basketball, but also be confident when we shoot it. On defense, we need to limit them to one shot, make sure it’s somewhat contested, and win the rebounding battle. We also need to out-hustle them and win every loose ball we can. I believe this game is definitely winnable for us if we give them our best for 32 minutes and play to our potential.”
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