High School Sports

Barstow boys basketball team gets a shout-out from the White House after winning state title

By SAM McDOWELL

The Kansas City Star
Barstow’s Shea Rush (top) watched as his shot bounced off the rim while Rush fell into teammate Jeriah Horne and Strafford’s Kyle Tate during the Missouri Class 3 boys high school basketball championship game.
Barstow’s Shea Rush (top) watched as his shot bounced off the rim while Rush fell into teammate Jeriah Horne and Strafford’s Kyle Tate during the Missouri Class 3 boys high school basketball championship game. Jeff Roberson The Associated Press

The Barstow boys basketball program won the Missouri Class 3 state championship Saturday, its first title since 1995.

And news of the championship has reached the White House.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest opened his press briefing Tuesday by congratulating Barstow on its victory.

Earnest, a Kansas City native, graduated from Barstow.

“I’m wearing my green today not just to pay tribute to St. Patrick but also to pay tribute to my alma mater back in Kansas City,” Earnest said. “Congratulations to coach (Billy) Thomas and the rest of the boys that made us so proud this year.”

To reach Sam McDowell, call 816-234-4869 or send email to smcdowell@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @SamMcDowell11.

This story was originally published March 17, 2015 at 4:50 PM.

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