Gleason girls basketball defeats Jackson Central-Merry in Region 7-1A quarterfinal

JACKSON — Gleason defeated Jackson Central-Merry 61-28 in the Region 7-1A quarterfinals Thursday. 

Alayna Anderson, a Class 1A Miss Basketball finalist, scored 20 points for the Lady Bulldogs. 

The win gives Gleason its fist win region tournament win since 2018. 

Carrington Lifsey chipped in with 18 points for the Lady Bulldogs. 

Jackson Central-Merry's region tournament appearance came in its first year the school reopened its doors since 2016. The Lady Cougars finish the season 12-12. This was there first region tournament appearance since 2008.

Genesis Pearson led Jackson Central-Merry with 13 points. 

All 12 of Gleason’s first quarter points were 3-pointers. This was a sign of things to come, as the  Lady Bulldogs were able to do a lot of drive and kicks to set up open 3 pointers. Gleason made 10 3-pointers overall.

Gleason will face Greenfield on Saturday at Peabody.