JACKSON SEARCHES FOR CONSTISTENCY IN U-HIGH

Jackson coach Steve Burk isn't exactly certain how his team has done it, but apparently his Indians have gained some respect around the area.

The Indians, who had a 3-2 record prior to last Friday's game with Kennett, have earned the third seed in the tournament and will play 14th-seeded Meadow Heights at noon Friday in the opening round.

"It's been about three or four years since we've been seeded this high," said Burk. "To be honest, I was surprised to be seeded that high. I think some people may have overestimated us a little bit."

With a pair of 6-5 players who each have at least three years varsity experience and a strong supporting cast, the Indians haven't exactly been slouches thus far.

Jackson christened the season with the Farmington Tournament title.

Their two losses have come to unbeaten Kelly, the tournament's No. 2 seed, and an overtime loss to Evansville Memorial (Ind.) in the Super Seven Shootout in Metropolis, Ill.

To date, Burk terms his team as an inconsistent group.

Offensively, 6-5 senior Jeff Walters, a four-year starter, leads the team with 19 points per game. Senior Justin Keen (6-5), a three-year starter, averages around 13 points a game and juniors Doug Carey and Justin Suedemeyer both average around 10.

"Offensively, this is the best balance we've had in last couple of years," said Burk.

Defensively, Burk looks for considerable improvement.

"We have a lot of breakdowns," said Burk. "Obviously, we need to improve our basic communication. Everybody has those problems at the beginning of the year and hopefully we'll iron those things out.

"We just need to keep working hard and try to improve. We still have a lot of time to correct things. At this time of the year you don't want to be playing your best ball, but you want to play the best ball you're capable of playing, and that's what we're striving for."

As far as the Christmas Tournament, Burk lumps his Indians into a pack of teams behind Charleston.

"I think Charleston is pretty much a cut above everybody else," he said. "As many as 10 team teams could figure in after that. The difference between two and seven and eight are not much different. It's really balanced."