DISTRICT 7-1A TOURNAMENT: Jackson County Takes Down Pickett County In Girls Title Game, 60-51; Jalynn Meadows Named Tournament MVP

By Michael Lindsay

Round three between Pickett County (18-11, 8-0) and Jackson County (20-9, 6-2) went to the Lady Blue Devils on Monday as they defeated Pickett County 60-51 in the District 7-1A championship game at Livingston Academy.

“We played really hard,” said Jackson County head coach Jim Brown. “They (Pickett) have an extremely good team and each game has been a battle. We got out to a much better start tonight and were able to keep that lead throughout the game.”

Pickett County swept the regular season series over Jackson County, but the Lady Blue Devils got their revenge with the district title on the line.

District tournament MVP Jalynn Meadows led Jackson County with 23 points, 6 steals and 5 assists along with 16 points by Claire Williams and 9 each from Avannah Banks and Reece Thomas. Zoey Nicholas led Pickett County with 23 points.

“Jalynn’s our leader,” said Brown. “She’s 4 year starter at the point. She plays so hard on both ends of the floor and I thought she was very deserving.””

Jackson County jumped out to a 14-9 lead through one quarter and extended their advantage to 9 points (22-13) via a Meadows layup midway through the second quarter. The Lady Blue Devils held a 28-24 halftime advantage.

The teams traded baskets through the early portions of the third quarter until the Blue Devils pushed their lead out to double digits (44-33) via a Banks layup with with 1:20 to go in the third period. Pickett County tacked on a free throw to end the third period with Jackson County ahead 44-34.

The Lady Bobcats made a late rally and pulled within 5 points (54-49) with a minute to go, but got no closer as Jackson County closed out to win their first district championship since 2014 by a 60-51 final score.

Up next for each team is the Region 4-1A tournament quarterfinals on Friday. #1 seed Jackson County will host #4 Jo Byrns while #2 Pickett County will host #3 Merrol Hyde. #4 Clarkrange will travel to District 8-1A champion Gordonsville while #3 Clay County will travel to 8-1A runner-up Trousdale County.