Back to Back!

The Lady Royals are district champions for the second year in a row! Jay defeated Central on Friday in front of a huge crowd, 56-47. The Lady Jags had defeated the Lady Royals twice this season, but Jay won the one that mattered the most.
Jay defeated Freeport in overtime on Wednesday to advance to the title game while Central defeated Baker on Monday then Paxton on Wednesday.
In the first quarter, Jay’s defense held Central to six total points, but that was in part to Central’s inability to convert from the free throw line. Central shot 15 free throws in the first quarter, converting on only six attempts.
Jay worked the inside out game on offense, as Hattie Locklin was the target. Locklin scored four in the second. As the first half ended, Jay held a 21-17 lead, but had two players in foul trouble.
The Lady Royals exploded out of halftime, scoring 20 in the third quarter, 12 coming from freshman Presley Hawthorne. Central scored 11 in the third.
Down 13 to start the fourth, Central connected on a couple of three’s to get within four, but Jay was able to answer back with a three from Kaylee Gilbreath and stifled the Jags’ run. Central also had two starters foul out and Jay was able to convert from the free throw line, going 10/16 from the line in the fourth.
Presley Hawthorne led all scores with 17. Hattie Locklin added 10.
Seedings will be released on Sunday. Jay will be hosting at least the first round of the playoffs.
JHS 11 10 20 15-56

CHS 6 11 11 19-47

(P. Hawthorne 17, A. Nelson 9, H. Locklin 10, D. Locklin 4, K. Gilbreath 9, M. Grimes 1, C. Baker 6)