A Journey's End; Lady Jacks end historic season as Regional Runner-ups

By Billy Longino

Diboll’s Mon/ Deason fights her Lady Bulldog opponent for possession of the ball during the heated reginal final battle in Huntsville on Saturday. (Photo by Billy Longino)

It was a long road but it had to end sometime, but no one expected it to end where it did.

The Diboll Lady Jacks have done what no other team in their history has done, but that did not stop the tears from falling Saturday when they fell to the Crockett Lady Bulldogs at the Regional Tournament Finals held in Huntsville.

The 2006-2007 Lady Jacks ended their season with an amazing 30-6 record. The loss comes after astonishing wins throughout the season and in their post-season run. But do not think that the Lady Jacks gave up to Crockett without a fight.

In four quarters and one overtime of some of the most competitive basketball ever seen in the history of the tournament, district 20-3A rival, the Diboll Lady Jacks and Crockett Lady Bulldogs exchanged what could be considered no less than blows.

Early on, the Lady Jacks jumped to the front with the big plays and fast scoring that they became known for. After losing twice to Diboll in the district competition the Lady Bulldogs knew what to expect -well most of what to expect- and used it to their advantage.

Things got heated as the game went on and the Lady Bulldogs pushed hard to bring down their district rivals. Both teams gave everything they had and fouls started flying as hearts started racing.

For the Lady Jacks Moné Deason led the way with 13 points, and three rebounds. She was followed by Nikki Greene with 12 points, 16 rebounds and six blocked shots (Greene was also named to the All-Tournament team). Deneshia Holman also ended the game with 12 points, three rebounds and four steals.

Other scores for the Lady Jacks were:

TK Jackson- four points and four rebounds;

Cammi Evans- four points, three rebounds and two steals;

Vanessa Jones- nine points, six rebounds and two assists;

JaFrina Jackson- one assist (biggest one of the night!);

Pashun Tappin- two rebounds, two steals and two assists.

The biggest moment of ten night came with only 1.8 seconds left on the board. The Lady Bulldogs had just made two free throws in a row that put the score up 50-48 in their favor. The Crockett side of the stands wa in a frenzy as they knew at that moment the game was theirs, but the Lady Jacks had one more surprise.

JaFrina Jackson launched the ball across the court with amazing accuracy and speed right into the hands of Jones who was flanked by two Lady Bulldog defenders. With milliseconds left on the clock she put in a lay-up that sent the sidelines and stands into complete pandemonium and sent the game into overtime.

Unfortunately, no more big plays would come the way of the Lady Jacks and Crockett would go on to win the Regional Championship with a final score of 63-54 ending a historic season for the Lady Jacks. The first year in team history for the Lady Jacks to reach the Regional Finals, but everyone knows that next year is just around the corner.

Congratulations to all the Lady Jacks for an amazing year and for another amazing year that is sure to come.