Jackson comes up short against Doniphan

The Jackson Indians girls basketball team was defeated by the Doniphan Dons 65-53 on Monday at Jackson High School. The Indians were led by Camryn Alsdorf and Holland Guilliams, scoring 19 points apiece.

Both teams came out slow to begin the game with the Dons ahead just 6-4 when Jackson used a timeout to break a five-second call and avoid a turnover. Each team stepped up their defense before the Dons scored six points in the final minute, a three-pointer and an and-1, Doniphan led 14-9 after the first.

The first two minutes of the second quarter saw the Indians struggle to get any offense going but they managed to hold the Dons to just three points before using a timeout. The timeout proved useful as Jackson went on an 8-0 run to close the lead to two points. Doniphan answered back with their own 8-0 run to hold a 10-point lead at halftime, 27-17.

Doniphan head coach Adam Epps said beating a Class 6 team on the road will be a big confidence boost before they play a tough Notre Dame team on Wednesday.

The second half started great for the Indians as again they went on a run to come within two points, but back-to-back threes from Carsyn Hagood late in the quarter gave Doniphan an eight-point lead heading into the fourth, 41-33. The two teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter but Jackson never got closer than eight as the Dons took home the victory.

Epps was happy with the team’s shooting but said their defense could have been better.

“I don't think we played defense real great tonight like we normally play,” Epps said. “I liked our pace, we got up and down pretty good and we shot the ball like we're capable of shooting tonight too and that helps, especially when you don't have a good defensive night.”

Jackson travels to fellow SEMO Conference member Poplar Bluff on Thursday to take on the Mules, tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.