Keota’s Kennedy Jackson Jolts Eagles to Victory

KEOTA—On January 5, the Keota Eagles girls basketball team hosted the Colfax-Mingo Tigerhawks for a SICL matchup. The Eagles soared past the Tigerhawks by a final score of 55-23.

The game started as perfectly as the Eagles could’ve planned, as they stormed out to a 55-23 lead. By halftime, they had etched out a 24-12 lead behind 10 first half points from sophomore Kennedy Jackson.

Jackson added 17 more points in the second half, as the Eagles cruised to a 55-23 lead. In total, Jackson tallied a season high 27 points. 

After the game, Jackson described the big night scoring with, “I was a little nervous coming into the game. Once I got a few points, I started to get into my rhythm. It also helped having my teammates encourage me throughout the game.”

Jackson went on to explain that the break was a great refresher for the team. “It feels great (to win in their first game back from break). Jeff (Sprouse, Head Coach) keeps telling us this is our new fresh start, and I think a win is great for our new year.”

Junior Grace Conger and Kimberly Clarahan were the main facilitators for the Eagles, as both tallied team high seven assists on the night.

Keota Head Coach Jeff Sprouse was extremely impressed with the performance of sophomore Kennedy Jackson. He described how getting her the ball down low is a huge focal point in the offense, and they have worked to get her the ball more effectively. He believes if they can get the ball down low, it will lead to getting higher percentage shots.

The most impressive point of the night from Jackson according to Coach Sprouse was “when she out ran everybody down the court, filled the lane and laid it in. That is the type of hustle and play that will allow you to play with anybody.”

Lastly, Coach Sprouse expressed what it means to get the win with, “Good anytime you can get one. You don’t ever want to give them away, but you have to come out and play hard.”

The Eagles push to 2-9 with a conference record of 2-6. They will return to action on January 9, when they face off against #9 North Mahaska.