Jackson Memorial High School’s girls basketball team fell short of defending its first NJSIAA Group IV championship when top seed Rancocas Valley Regional High School ended the No. 2 seed Jaguars’ season, 58-36, in the Central Jersey Group IV finals on March 5.
It was the ending of a great career for guard Hannah Missry, a deadly 3-point shooter who ranked among the best in the state, as well as a well-rounded contributor and floor leader who is headed to Fordham University this fall. She scored 14 points and had 12 rebounds against Rancocas Valley. Guard Morgan Williams and center Kelly Jamison added 10 and eight points, respectively.
It was also the final game for Stephanie Mason and Shaaliyah Lyons, who played on teams that won Shore Conference A South titles the three previous seasons and made the magical run last season that included a 57-56 overtime victory over Rancocas Valley in the sectional finals.
“They left a legacy,” said coach Rachel Goodale after Jackson Memorial finished 20-8. “They’re winners. They know how to win and they’ll win at the next level.”
Rancocas Valley (27-1) took an 18-10 first quarter lead and opened the second quarter with a 9-3 burst for a 27-13 advantage.
In a game of momentum swings, Jackson Memorial eventually pulled to 31-23 at halftime before Rancocas Valley opened the second half with an 8-0 run. Jackson Memorial answered when Missry connected on one of her two 3- pointers and a free throw to make it 41- 27. The Jaguars got no closer from there, though, against the taller and deeper Rancocas Valley.