FREDERICKTWON GIRLS TRY TO SLOW UP KENNET'S JACKSON

The Fredericktown Lady Blackcats will be facing an explosive performer Wednesday night when they face Brandi Jackson and the Kennett Lady Indians in Class 3A Sectional action in Poplar Bluff.

Fredericktown (18-5), coming off a District 3 title win Friday over Perryville in Park Hills, will go up against the high-scoring Lady Indians (18-1), who knocked off top-seed New Madrid in overtime for the District 1 title. Game time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

According to Fredericktown coach Lonnie Sheldon, his team will focus on controlling Jackson, who averages over 30 points per game. Jackson scored 38 points in Kennett's victory in the district finals.

The Lady Blackcats will counter with a more balanced offensive effort, led by seniors Lindsey Merrill (20 ppg), Kristin Tripp (16 ppg), and Christy Unnerstall (8.5).

At 6-foot-2, Merrill has been a handful at center.

"Our inside game is our strength," Sheldon said. "Lindsey's been playing really well on the inside. She grabs about 12 rebounds a game, too."

Because of Kennett's fast-paced style and pressure defense, Sheldon said Fredericktown will have to hold onto the ball better than it did against Perryville in the district final. The Lady Blackcats committed 17 turnovers in the first half alone.

"Hopefully we won't turn the ball over as much," Sheldon said. "We just made some bad passes, but we can't do that against Kennett."