NOTE: The Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held on October 7th at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Six former greats will be enshrined as the Class of 2023 with two more receiving Meritorious Service Awards. Leading up to gala event the Jackson Parish Journal is running a special feature on each of the inductees. This edition –  Casey Jackson

The ball caromed high off the rim. A host of would be rebounders were in position to grab control of the errant shot. Suddenly from out of the pack a hand shot well above the throng of would be rebounders, snaring the ball. As soon as he lit, he took off up court so fast that all you could see was a blur. Demonstrating tremendous dribbling skills, the wiry framed young man left several defenders grasping at air before planting his foot near the free throw line. Up, up, up he went with the ball cradled in his palm before slamming it home with such a force that the much taller player in front of him wilted into oblivion.

In the early 1980’s Chatham High School was known for playing a wide open style of basketball that left fans in the stands awe stricken at the way they could score. Over the years from 1982 – 85 none did it better than Casey Jackson,  one of the most versatile players you would ever want to see.

Standing a little over six feet tall and possessed with a wiry build, a first glance didn’t command a second look. Put the ball in his hands and you couldn’t take your eyes off him and didn’t want to, as incredible feats were sure to take place. 

Jackson had the kind of game that no matter where he lined up he was a dominating force, virtually unstoppable. And he lined up everywhere. One possession he would be down low leaping over taller defenders. The next he would be in the backcourt “breaking ankles” of smaller defenders who tried to stay with him. Wherever head coach Talton Barron sensed an advantage, that was where Jackson would be. 

When the boards needed to be controlled, Jackson could be counted on bringing down “double digits” in rebounds every time. When a floor leader was what was required, Jackson would dish out a mountain of “dimes.” Need him to score? No one accounted for more 40 point games in Chatham history.  

What made Jackson so very special though wasn’t his ability to shoot, sky high, dribble or play suffocating defense, all of which hardly anyone could match, but his leadership ability. Every year that Jackson started for the Chatham varsity they won district which led him to be named All-District three times and MVP twice as well as earning Class B All-State Honorable Mention. 

His prolificacy wasn’t confined to his high school days either.  Jackson led his Marian college team to their best season in school history and first NAIA District playoffs, all while twice earning All-Conference and NAIA All-Regional honors.  

Chatham High School is no longer and sadly, Jackson is no longer with us as well, leaving only fond recollections of days gone by. His accomplishments though will never be forgotten as now forever he will be enshrined as a Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductee.