Jackson Progress-Argus

Jackson’s junior forward, Chelsie Wilson, defends a Mary Persons player driving to the basket.

The Jackson High School Lady Red Devils struggled again last weekend, falling by more than 40 points against both Eastside and Mary Persons high schools. They lost to Eastside 57-13 and to Mary Persons 64-11.

The Lady Devils were without two of their key players due to injury. Sophomore Latara Grier and junior Jasmine Williams, who both play point guard and are the two primary ball handlers for the team, were unable to participate due to knee injuries. Another key player for Jackson, junior Peaches Barr, was involved with the Winter Court festivities Saturday night, and was consequentially unavailable to play against Mary Persons High School.

Both teams recognized Jackson’s inability to dribble out of pressure, and utilized full court presses early in the game. By doing this, they forced Jackson into numerous turnovers, which were converted into layups for the opposition.

“It’s really hard for us when we don’t have Latara and Jasmine,” said Head Coach Corey Johnson. “Obviously, they are my two point guards, so they do just about all of the ball handling. Now, I have to rotate other players into different spots, so some of the girls are now having to play out of position. So yeah, it’s tough.”

While Williams looks set to miss several more games, Johnson said he hopes Grier will be able to return sometime soon, as it is not believed she has any structural damage in her knee.

“She’s not wearing a brace or anything on it now,” said Johnson. “I think she just had it banged up real good. It’s real swollen and stiff, so hopefully when some of that goes away, she will be able to come back pretty quickly.”

Jackson’s next game will be Friday at Sandy Creek High School. The opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.