MCKEE — Jackson County used depth and late-game execution to pull away from Oneida Baptist, earning a 71-59 victory to improve to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in 49th District play.
The Generals got off to a slow start but flipped the momentum in the second quarter behind strong play from their bench, which proved to be a difference-maker throughout the night.
Senior Ashton Clemons led Jackson County with 16 points, while junior Elijah Thomas added 13 in a key performance off the bench. Three sophomores—Tansen Truett, Wyatt Gray, and Braxton Coyle—each chipped in eight points. Junior Joona Holm and freshman Tyler Sandlin finished with seven points apiece, and junior Brennon Combs added four.
Jackson County coach Jackson Stewart credited his reserves for changing the tone of the game.
“Got off to a slow start tonight, but responded in the second quarter thanks for our group off the bench bringing great energy,” he said. “We had 28 points off the bench tonight which was huge. I was impressed with our ability to slow the game down tonight in the second half and execute our sets. We like to get out and run, but in a big district game with the lead at the end, I thought we played smart and made some great plays down the stretch.”
Stewart also singled out Thomas for his impact.
“Elijah Thomas was huge tonight,” he added. “Elijah hadn’t played much up to this game; but his number was called tonight and he responded. I’m happy for him because he never complained or hung his head one time, he’s been nothing but a great teammate.”
