Jackson boys basketball team cruises to win vs. Francis Howell North

The Jackson boys basketball team was happy to come away with any type of win during the 17th annual Tiger Shootout.

That the Indians posted a resounding victory, 54-36 over Francis Howell North, made Saturday's experience at Central High School even sweeter.

"I think we've lost here six straight years," Jackson coach Darrin Scott said. "It's not that we've played bad, but we've usually played some good teams.

"It's nice to finally get a win here again. It's been a while."

Saturday's first of four Tiger Shootout games, scheduled for a noon tipoff, started 40 minutes late after the Knights had bus problems during their trip from the St. Charles area.

Jackson senior center John Meyer thought that was a good thing for the Indians (10-3).

"I think it was actually better. We were really tight," Meyer said. "It gave us a chance to work out the kinks."

The Indians actually still looked tight early, committing turnovers on their first four possessions and falling behind 5-2.

But it didn't take Jackson long to assume command. A 12-0 run put the Indians up 14-5, and they never looked back. It was 32-14 at halftime and 49-24 after three quarters.

"It was a good game for us. I thought we played well," Meyer said.

The 6-foot-9 Meyer had the game's highlight plays, all in the second quarter when he dunked three times over the smaller Knights (4-9).

Meyer admitted that his first two jams were relatively mild, but the final one, with 3 seconds left before halftime, was impressive.

Meyer perfectly timed his leap when a Jackson missed layup came off the rim and he rammed it back home with authority.

"The ball came off perfect, and I was right there," Meyer said.

Meyer led Jackson with 11 points. Junior forward Luke Stevens added 10 points.

Senior forward Ryan Jeppeson put in 17 points for the Knights, who did not have top scorer Kyle Lemons due to an injury.

North 8 6 10 12 -- 36

Jackson 14 18 17 5 -- 54

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH (36) -- Blake Shambro 2, Marco Plaza 7, Braxton Martinez 4, James Gleeson 2, Josh Carpenter 2, Ryan Jeppeson 17, Cole 2. FG 15, FT 5-7, F 15. (3-pointers: Plaza 1. Fouled out: none)

JACKSON (54) -- Josh Daume 7, Caleb Newcomer 8, Skyler Steele 7, Calvin Lysell 4, Karson King 7, John Meyer 11, Luke Stevens 10. FG 19, FT 13-18, F 10. (3-pointers: Daume 1, Newcomer 2. Fouled out: none)