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By John Estes

For the Journal

The hoops season has come to an end in Jessamine County. So how did the Colts and Jags do? Read below to find out!

WJHS girls 

The West Jessamine girls basketball team had a season to remember, making history and setting records along the way. Despite a close loss in the district championship versus Mercer County, the team stormed into the regionals, knocking off preseason regional favorite Pulaski County in the first round and defeating a strong Southwestern team in the regional semifinals.  The Lady Colts were unable to secure a spot in the Sweet 16, falling to Danville Christian with a final score of 63-46.  Claire Marshall, Ariana McLoney, and Kimberly Johnson were named to the 12th region all-tournament team.

The Lady Colts set a new standard for success, posting a school record for wins with an impressive total of 26. They also achieved milestones in scoring, recording the most points in a season with 2089 team points. Their shooting was impeccable, boasting the highest 3-point percentage at 31.8% and the highest free throw percentage at 65.4%.

Individually, several players made their mark on the record books. Marshall became a 1000-point scorer, setting the season record with 585 points and averaging 17 points per game. She also grabbed the most rebounds in a season with an impressive total of 428. McLoney shattered the record for most 3-point goals in a season with 72.

The Lady Colts’ success was not just in numbers but also in their performance on the court. They went on a remarkable 15-game winning streak and were ranked as high as number 25 in the state RPI rankings, showcasing their dominance throughout the season.

Key players like Katie Mastin and Isabella Lewis made significant contributions to the team’s success, each scoring over 300 points during the season.

EJHS boys 

The East Jessamine High School basketball team had a season to be proud of in 2024, showing remarkable improvement and achieving several milestones. With a strong core of returning players, the team nearly doubled its win total from the previous year, finishing with a respectable 17-14 record.

Led by a group of experienced returners, the team’s hard work and dedication translated into tangible results, as they improved in almost every statistical category. One of the highlights of the season was sweeping West Jessamine for the first time in 12 years, showcasing the team’s progress.

Individually, junior Miyo Jones had a standout season, becoming the 11th member of East’s 1,000 point club, scoring 564 points this season. His scoring prowess and leadership on the court were instrumental in the team’s success and bode well for the future of the program.  

Keelyn Daniel added 371 points, followed by Righteous Harris with 262 points and Myles Radford with 236 points.

Despite falling short of their ultimate goal, the team’s season was a testament to their resilience and determination. With a promising group of returners set to lead the way next season, the future looks bright for Jaguars basketball program.

WJHS boys

The 2023-24 basketball season for West Jessamine High School was anything but easy. Coming off a successful 22-win season with five departing seniors who accounted for the majority of minutes and scoring, the team faced a daunting challenge with a lack of experience. However, what they lacked in seasoned players, they made up for in grit and resiliency.

The team’s determination was evident from the start, particularly during preseason lifting and conditioning. Despite their dislike for these sessions, all starters attended almost every session, setting a high standard for the rest of the team. This commitment and work ethic carried through the season, with players demonstrating a strong bond and commitment to each other and the program.

The season was not without its struggles, but the team’s growth was undeniable. They finished the season strongly, winning four of their last five games, a testament to their perseverance and improvement.

Key players contributed significantly to the team’s development. Ethan Little, a senior, scored 354 points and brought a valuable skill set to the court, including scoring and defensive prowess. Junior Ben Hershey emerged as a leader, known for his fearlessness and willingness to do the “dirty work.” Junior Kavon Lyvers showcased his defensive skills and positive energy, while sophomores Kaden Floyd, Sawyer Thornton, and Gavin Murphy displayed remarkable growth and potential.

The Coltd boasts a promising lineup for next season, featuring a nice combination of returning players ready to build on their successes.

EJHS girls 

The East Jessamine Lady Jaguars High School basketball team may not have achieved the record they hoped for this season, but their growth and development as a team are undeniable. Despite facing challenges, such as players stepping into new roles, the team excelled and showed remarkable improvement.

One of the most impressive aspects of the season was the team’s ability to adapt to new roles. Many players took on unfamiliar positions and responsibilities, yet they rose to the occasion and excelled. This adaptability and determination are a testament to the team’s character and bode well for their future success.

The season was filled with memorable moments and standout performances. The team’s win total increased from 3 to 7, showcasing their improvement and resilience. Several players recorded multiple double-doubles throughout the season, highlighting their versatility and skill on the court.

Kyla Hunt had a standout season, with a 30-point game and multiple 20+ point games, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership. Rickayla Hubbard also had multiple 20+ point games, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Senior Shelby Luong, a Midway commit, had a memorable season as well, recording multiple double-doubles. Her leadership and contributions on the court will be missed next season, but her legacy will inspire the team to continue striving for excellence.