The 2023-24 basketball season has been a trying one for both the girls and boys basketball teams at Jonesboro-Hodge to say the least. The records for both show many more losses than wins. 

It would have been understandable if both squads would have just played out the string in the final district contest against Many but to the credit of the players on both squads they closed out their district season showing determination and pride. For the boys the effort was rewarded with a 45-43 victory, their first on the road since the fifth game of the season. The girls weren’t as fortunate, falling 38-35 but the effort was there.

In all probability, the loss by the girls ends the Lady Tigers season at 6-24 overall and 1-9 in district 3-2A play in head coach Shan Jackson’s first year as JHHS is currently at #35 n the Division IV power ratings, where only the top 28 qualify for the postseason.

The victory by the boys was HUGE as even though their record now is only 5-19 and 2-8 in 3-2A play, what is more important is that the Tigers climbed to #27 in the rankings. 

Many 38 JHHS 35 (Girls) –  In the contest that saw 38 fouls called and JHHS finishing with four starters with four fouls each, the Lady Tigers fell just short despite a spirited road effort. Neesha Johnson paced JHHS in scoring with 15 points, including six in the second quarter that helped the Lady Tigers to a 13-11 halftime advantage. Sanaa Tatum added 7 and Jalenya Jackson 6 while Angel Moss chipped in with four points and McKenzie Bradford hit a trey. 

JHHS  45 Many 43 (Boys) When JHHS scored just 5 points in the third quarter it looked like the same ole script of getting outscored late was starting to show once again. Not on this night! JHHS dug deep to outscore Many 14-11 in the final frame as DeMarious Burns scored six of his 8 points on the night and Daelen Boston added four of his 11 he totaled to lead the fourth quarter surge. Za’mauryian Palmer topped JHHS in scoring with 14 with Dewayne Palmer adding four. Ariyu’un Bradford, Kamerin Bradley, Dylan Hayes and Samuel Combs all tallied two each as well.