J.L. Jackson's Tier 1 Girls basketball team is headed to provincials.
The team earned a trip to Chilliwack for the provincial championships after hosting and taking first place in the Junior Girls Valley Championships on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 and 15.
First up for the Jays was a Friday game versus Okanagan Mission Secondary. The home team won 68-25, with MacKenzie Bostock picked as player of the game and the hustle award going to Vienne Bredick. Reese Major had the high score with 21 points. Next, the Jays crushed Penticton Secondary 56-18. Player of the game was Keira Cadden, who was also the high scorer with 23 points, while the hustle award went to Abigail Smryl.
The Jays final game versus Valleyview Secondary from Kamloops was also their most intense. Coach Kira Limber said the Jackson gym was packed with supporters for both teams filling the bleachers.
"The energy was electric!," said Limber. "There were drums, horns, bells, chanting fans - an amazing atmosphere for both teams!"
Valleyview owned the first half, shooting well from the floor and pressing full court, creating turn-overs and a rushed offense, said Limber.
Score at half-time was Valleyview 23, Jackson 12.
"We came out in the third with much more intensity and focus, and held Valleyview to only 3 points!," said Limber "We were only down three, and the score was 26-29 heading into the final quarter. Key rebounds, defensive stops and teamwork lead to a five point victory, 40-35!"
Reese Major and Vienne Bredick led the team in scoring with 8 points each, while Keira Cadden and MacKenzie Bostock added 7 each at key moments in the game.
Tournament MVP was shared by Reese Major and Keira Cadden.
"Our team, along with Valleyview and KSS (Kelowna) are heading to Provincials this weekend in Chilliwack," said Limber, explaining 24 teams from across the province will be competing in the 3-day tournament, hosted by GW Graham and Sardis secondary schools. "Our first game is on Friday at 6 p.m. against the winner of Oak Bay (12 seed) and Walnut Grove (wildcard). We are ranked 7th heading into the weekend, giving us a bye in the first round."
