Maybe a surprise pick for some, but not for me as Jackson lead her mostly young, but talented team to an excellent regular season and a place in the Final Four. It’s not a surprise pick for Grayson head coach Tim Slater either, who had to play and beat Hillgrove to get to the state championship game. Jackson is fundamentally sound and a very capable scorer from all three levels. She plays with maturity and intelligence, never forcing shots and letting the game come to her. Hillgrove has so many young, talented players with bright futures themselves, but they deffered to Jackson and let her lead. Something she did exceptionally well. She is an elite athlete with excellent quickness and lateral movement. She handles the ball well and is an outstanding passer. She plays the game with no fear and a high level confidence and conviction. I expect Jackson to have a very good college career with a chance to potentially play overseas when she is done.

Jackson can put the ball in the basket there is no doubt, but her preparation before she gets the ball is a big reason why. Jackson has great movement off the ball, she is in constant motion for Hillgrove on back cuts or running off of screens. She squared up her shoulders and feet to the basket very well and when the ball got there she did not hesitate about what she would do with it. No indecisiveness, she just got downhill driving the ball or pulled up and shoot if the space was there. Jackson’s experience and leadership will be counted on down the stretch by the Lady Hawks.

Get Buckets KiKi came off the bench to do just that. Kierra got buckets, draining three three-pointers as she racked up 9 points and 2 rebounds. Jackson is a steady source of offense with her multi-level scoring ability.

Get Buckets KiKi had a huge opening week, dropping in 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks in a rout of Heritage-Catoosa. Kierra netted three three-pointers and showed toughness attacking the hoop. She mixed it up defensively, getting in position to stop drives and alter shots.