The Jackson Prep girls basketball team won the MAIS 6A state championship and took their talents to the Overall Semifinals, where they displayed incredible sportsmanship and teamwork.
The team has had an impressive run in tournaments these past few seasons. In the 2021-2022 season the Patriots won both the 6A MAIS and Overall Tournament. Over the past four years the Patriots have won overall once and have won 6A three times which is a very impressive streak that shows that the Patriots dominate the MAIS in girls basketball.
Coach Keavy Noblin said, “One of the biggest reasons why the Patriots have made it as far as they have is because of the leadership and all five of the starters played last season, which is key in their success on and off the court.”
Coach Noblin also said that the student section and the fans play a huge role in the success of the Lady Patriots and get them fired up during the games.
The Patriots have had some tough times during the season, when multiple key players on the team got the flu and some sophomores and juniors had to step up and lead the team in key games during the season.
Senior Abby Duncan said that this season means the most to her, and it has been is bittersweet considering this, is her last season on the team. She also said that their strategic practice and hard work pay off in games. For example, the team spends a whole day watching film on the opponent and practicing against the opponents offense and defense.
The Lady Patriots’ dedication to their craft has proven to be an invaluable factor in their success.
They started off the state tournament with a bye because of their hard work during the season, they then played Jackson Academy in the second round, winning with a score of 44-38. Next, in the third round of the playoffs the girl’s basketball team beat the PCS bobcats winning the state championship with a score of 37-29.
The Lady Patriots were on a winning streak of seven games and looked to continue that at Mississippi College on February 25. Unfortunately, however, they fell to the Parklane Pioneers in a heartbreaking score of 58 to 54.
With a two-peat 6A victory in tow, the underclassmen are looking forward to the next year of basketball and hope to continue it to a three-peat in 2026.
Sophomore Lily Grubbs said, “The team is working very hard in order to have success in the tournament. We are practicing for two hours everyday and watching film on our opponents and are running their plays in practice to help the starters prepare.”
All in all, the Lady Patriots left it all on the court and have an exciting season tolook forward to next year.
