Nible & quick - Jackson's Jack Puisis can also knock down a 3

Heading into his senior season, Jackson guard Jack Puisis felt he needed to prove himself to basketball critics and scouts across the area.

Puisis averaged 12 points a game -- second on the team -- during his junior campaign, but he knew an upgrade in his game was needed to meet the goals for his final high school season.

With three regular season games left before the district tournament, Puisis has established himself as one of the top players in Southeast Missouri. He is averaging 21.3 points per game, shooting nearly 47 percent from 3-point range and hitting 80 percent from the free throw line in 101 attempts. He is also averaging nearly three assists a game. Those numbers have helped Jackson post a 20-2 record heading into a 7:30 p.m. matchup tonight with rival Central at Jackson High School.

Puisis said because he has had to work hard to improve his game over the years, he is not surprised by the success.

"I think everyone else is surprised," he said. "For me, I've had to earn my time. This has been a year for me to prove myself to everyone."

Not only has his scoring gone up, but the magnitude of his baskets have increased as well. Puisis has been Jackson's go-to guy this season: Whenever the game is on the line, the ball has been in his hands.

Sometimes that means making the big basket, as he did in a win over Charleston, or that can mean dishing the ball off. In a win over Kelly in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament finals, Puisis found Tyler Beussink for an open 3-pointer late in the game to help Jackson win the championship.

"I've been in those opportunities the last couple of years. I think my team trusts me with the ball, and I trust myself," Puisis said. "Defenses look at me, and because they know I'll have the ball, I can look for other people for open shots."

Along with his ability to hurt teams from the outside, Puisis has worked on his ability to get to the basket. On numerous occasions this season, opponents have tried to defend the jump shot, only to have Puisis put the ball on the floor and drive for an easy layin.

Puisis said he worked with a trainer over the summer to improve his speed and quickness, which are critical at the college level.

"My dream is to play college ball," he said.

Jackson first-year coach Darrin Scott said Puisis' ability to get to the basket has surprised him.

"When I came here, we talked about how he can shoot," Scott said. "The biggest thing is how he can attack the basket and penetrate."

Puisis is also one of the floor leaders, demonstrating a willingness to do whatever is necessary for the good of the Indians.

"For a stretch we put him at the one, then we moved him back to the two," Scott said. "He's tried to do whatever I've asked him to do to help the team."

And help the team it has. With their win on Friday, the Indians posted consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time since the 1991-1992 and 1992-1993 seasons. It's only the third time Jackson has had consecutive 20-win seasons.

The Indians have also brought home a pair of tournament titles. Jackson opened the season with three wins at the Farmington Tournament, and later the Indians successfully defended their Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament title. Jackson had won only one Christmas Tournament title prior to its recent run.

"There's nothing better," Puisis said. "To win the Christmas Tournament two times in a row and make the all-tournament team two years in a row, that's a great feeling. I don't take anything for granted. But I still haven't beat Poplar Bluff in my varsity career -- that's the biggest goal for me."

Puisis should get another crack at the defending state champion Mules in the Class 5 District 1 tournament. Poplar Bluff, which defeated Jackson in the only meeting between the teams this season, has virtually assured itself of getting the top seed. Jackson, which fell to Poplar Bluff in the district finals last season, will likely be seeded second.

"Districts is everything," Puisis said. "For us, the season has been OK, but district is a big step for us."