Josh Finley Country Financial Ram of the Week

Mt. Vernon Rams Basketball

The Mt. Vernon Rams are this week’s Josh Finley Country Financial Ram of the Week after an impressive runner-up finish in their first-ever appearance at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic.

The Rams went 3–1 in the loaded holiday tournament and placed second overall, with Cale Maurer and David Barnes earning All-Tournament Team honors. The Rams are now 10-2.

🔹 Opening Round

Mt. Vernon 58, Oakville (MO) 24
The Rams took care of business in dominant fashion.

• LJ Shelby led the way with 18 points, knocking down 4-of-6 from three-point range

• Cale Maurer controlled the glass with 11 rebounds

• David Barnes added 13 points

• Zay Nesbit chipped in 11 points

🔹 Quarterfinals

Mt. Vernon 56, Belleville East 55
In one of the tournament’s most thrilling games, the Rams erased a 20-point first-half deficit to pull off a dramatic comeback win.

• Cale Maurer delivered a monster performance with 22 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, including three three-pointers

• David Barnes finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds

• LJ Shelby added 10 points, hitting three threes

• Eli Prost contributed 6 points and a team-high 4 assists

• Zay Nesbit also knocked down three points

🔹 Semifinals

Mt. Vernon 50, McCluer North 48
The Rams showed tremendous grit in a hard-fought win, despite losing senior Cale Maurer to injury in the first half.

• Maurer still led the team with 12 points before exiting

• David Barnes, Eli Prost, and LJ Shelby each scored 8 points

• Barnes and Shelby pulled down 6 rebounds apiece

• Daniel Nelson stepped up in a big way, posting 9 points and 6 rebounds while playing extended minutes

• Zay Nesbit filled the stat sheet with 4 points, 3 assists, and a team-high 2 steals

• Wyatt Evans added a free throw and a rebound in a true team effort

🔹 Championship Game

Decatur (MacArthur) 61, Mt. Vernon 32
Playing without Maurer, the Rams ran into the tournament favorite as MacArthur’s firepower proved too much.

• David Barnes led Mt. Vernon with 16 points and 6 rebounds

• Eli Prost matched the team high with 6 rebounds

• LJ Shelby added 7 points

Despite the championship loss, it was a statement week for the Rams—showcasing depth, resilience, and the continued ability to compete with elite programs.

Congratulations to Mt. Vernon Rams Basketball, this week’s Josh Finley Country Financial Ram of the Week!