C6D1: Jackson claims third straight district title

ARNOLD - It was apparent as you entered Fox High School on Tuesday that a district championship was on the line.

As the game between the Jackson Indians and the Cor Jesu Academy Chargers began, it became even more obvious.

Both offenses were shaky, to the credit of each team’s stout defense to begin the contest.

However, Jackson was able to turn defense into offense as they went on to beat the Chargers 42-33 to claim the Class 6 District 1 Championship.

Over half the first quarter had been played and it was 2-0 Chargers.

“Everybody wanted to make the first shot but I don’t think anyone wanted to take the first shot,” Indians coach Adam Stoneking said. “We always knew it was going to be difficult in the half-court. (Cor Jesu) is so solid defensively.”

The Indians' offense would get going behind a pair of threes from Camryn Alsdorf.

The momentum would begin to turn in the final seconds of the first quarter as Holland Guilliams came up with a steal, and advanced it up to Alsdorf, who then found Katie Waller for a layup to make it 8-4 Jackson after the first quarter.

The second quarter would end similarly to the first as Alsdorf picked the pocket of a Charger player and flipped a layup up and in as the time expired to send the Indians into the locker room with an 18-10 lead.

“Credit to (my team) for having their heads up when the time presented it,” Stoneking said.

In the second half, Jackson stayed steady and consistent as they led 29-17 before knocking down their free throws and hanging on to win 42-33.

Alsdorf scored 10 of her 14 points in the first half, helping keep the Indians afloat.

“Camryn played really mature tonight,” Waller said. “I’m so proud of her. I kept telling her all night long.”

Stoneking said this was a big game for Alsdorf and her confidence.

“Cam knows that she belongs here now,” Stoneking said. “She doesn’t have to defer to anybody. When you give her something she’s going to take it and that’s what makes a good basketball player.”

Waller finished with a game-high 20 points to pace the Indians. Waller said the fact she had been in championship games before was important as a leader.

“I think my experience helped me a lot,” Waller said. “I’ve been put in these stressful game situations before and I think that my experience rubbed off on everyone else.”

The win for Jackson made it three straight district titles and Stoneking said the focus should be on the players.

“You’re just happy for the girls,” Stoneking said. “You’re just so happy that they can have these memories.”

Waller and Alsdorf combined for 34 of the Indians 42 points. Also contributing was Maci Wendel with 5 points and Holland Guilliams with 3 points.

Jackson (21-7) will take on Eureka (22-7) in the Class 6 State Quarterfinals at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 at Jefferson College in Hillsboro.