With new head girls basketball coach, Kris Cash, on the sidelines for his first game as a varsity head coach it was “money in the bank” for JHHS in their 2022 opener. Entering into the contest with a 2-10 record over the 2021 portion of the schedule the Lady Tigers dominated the second half to upset Class 4A Neville 54-33.

JHHS responded to Cash’s first halftime speech to his new team by reeling off 12 straight points to stretch a 24-21 halftime lead to 36-21 before Neville made their first points  of the third quarter. The second half onslaught continued from there on the strength of a suffocating 3/4 court press that allowed the higher classed school only three field goals and 12 total second half points. 

“I guess we couldn’t have asked for a much better start together as a team,” said Cash of the results of his first game on the sidelines. “I am glad to have the opportunity to coach these girls and very happy with the way they responded.”

While the “new direction” brought “new results”  Cash is not new to the Jonesboro-Hodge athletic program. For several years he has served as the head football coach at Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School and as an assistant for the boys football and basketball teams. 

Xabrianna Jackson scored 34 points to lead all scorers. It marked the second consecutive home game that she has eclipsed the 30 point barrier. Tyya Davis also reached double figures with ten. Maddison Houston added three and Zymea Hoggro, A’Jouriana Hoggro, Sydney Malone, LeRonda McGuire and Keasiah Andrews all added two each.   

Short handed Tigers fall to Neville 57-36

The combination of not having two of their normal starters available and poor first half shooting was to much to overcome for Jonesboro-Hodge who fell to Neville High out of Monroe for the second time this season. The home standing Tigers outscored Neville 16-5 in the third quarter but a 19-6 first quarter deficit that balloned to 30-9 by the half was to much to overcome. The loss dropped JHHS to 7-3 on the year while Neville improved to 15-3 and protected their #5 ranking in Class 4A power ranking.

Devontae Mozee led JHHS with 9 points followed by Savantez Phillips and Tydre Malone with eight each. Zion Gray added seven and both Jarrious Lumpkin and Cameron Leonard scored two. Neville was led by P.D. Mcraney who poured in a game high 27 points.