Jackson Christian boys use defense, beat South Gibson
Starting out the game with an 11-0 run, the Jackson Christian boys’ basketball team was showing its offensive ability.
But defense has been the part of the Eagles’ game that has led the team to a 6-0 start.
Jackson Christian held South Gibson to three made field goals in the first half to beat the Hornets for the second time this season 59-34 at Jackson Christian on Friday.
“We did a good job executing our game plan,” Jackson Christian coach J.D. Byrd said. “I think that the crowd helped us tonight. We had a packed house with a good student section.”
The Eagles kept the pressure on South Gibson (4-2), and the Hornets didn’t respond well offensively.
“I feel like our defense has improved each and every game,” Jackson Christian junior Jeremy Stewart said. “Our defense is tough for opposing teams to play against.”
South Gibson shot 17 percent from the field (12-of-70) with a 2-of-20 mark from 3-point range.
“We turned up the intensity tonight,” Byrd said. “We started off the year trying to find our identity. We are starting to understand our role and learning to play as a team.”
The Hornets did score the final six points of the first quarter to get within five points, but a 15-4 run to start the second quarter helped Jackson Christian build a 16-point lead.
Four different Eagle players – Garrett Hollenback, Riley Ragan, Clay Lewis and Stewart – hit 3-pointers in the first half to help Jackson Christian build the lead.
Sharing the ball has been key to Jackson Christian’s success thus far this season.
“Our motion offense works to get everyone open,” Byrd said. “Our motion offense helps us move the ball and spread out the points.”
Friday was no different as three different players scored in double figures. Stewart led the Eagles with 16 points, while Ragan added 14 points and 10 rebounds and Lewis scored 11 points.
“We are moving the ball better and getting back in our defensive rotation,” Stewart said. “We were making our shots tonight, and we were moving the ball to get an even better shot.”
Girls
Jackson Chr. 52,
South Gibson 44
The Lady Eagles (3-3) had a strong third quarter to come from behind to beat South Gibson at home.
Jackson Christian scored 17 points to turn a two-point halftime deficit into a 40-35 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Hope Neyman scored a game-high 21 points to lead South Gibson (4-2) and Christen King added 10 points.
Jackson Christian had three players in double figures led by Kayla Davenport with 17 points. Amelia Grizzell added 12 and Kelsey Rice had 11 points.
Michael Odom, 425-9754