Jackson finds solution to slump, beats Kelly

BENTON, Mo. -- Senior Tyler Boyd scored 24 points to help Jackson snap a five-game losing streak with a 60-48 road victory Tuesday night in boys basketball.

Boyd hit four 3-pointers in the game and added perfect 8-of-8 free-throw shooting in the fourth quarter to help the Indians hold off Kelly (8-12).

Boyd hit three of his treys in the first half, which ended with Jackson (11-15) ahead 28-25.

"Boyd came out and hit some shots," Jackson coach Mike Kiehne said. " He didn't do anything special. He just stepped up and took some shots, which was nice."

Boyd was the beneficiary of Kelly's preoccupation with center Tyler McNeely, who was held to seven points.

"We did a good job on him," Kelly coach Nick Lanpher said. "We were really worried abut him. We'd double down on him and he'd kick it out to Boyd. We couldn't get out on him."

Boyd was the only Indian to score more than eight points.

"Boyd, we couldn't stop him," Lanpher said. "He shot the eyes out of it."

Jackson took a 44-36 lead into the fourth quarter. Kelly only trailed by five points with three minutes left, but couldn't close the gap.

Major Burger and Trey Simmons each finished with 12 points for Kelly.

The game concluded Jackson's regular season. The Indians open district play Monday against Poplar Bluff in the Class 5, District 1 tournament.

"This is a big confidence builder going into districts," Kiehne said.