2A BOYS: Stars’ Jackson marches team within one game of title dream
Kalinn Jackson saw the potential of Agassi Prep’s boys basketball team in his first practice with the team.
After transferring to Agassi Prep from Summit (Calif.), the junior swingman sensed an opportunity to win his first championship ring.
Jackson will play not only for that ring Saturday, but for Agassi Prep’s first state title in a team sport since the school opened in 2001.
“We work hard in practice and come in at 6 a.m. just trying to get a ring,” Jackson said. “We cherish every moment, just trying to work hard to get it for our school.”
Jackson hit four 3-pointers on his way to 19 points to lead the Stars to a 69-54 win over Yerington in a Class 2A state semifinal Friday at Durango.
Agassi Prep (16-8) advanced to play Incline (22-5) in the 2A state final at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at Orleans Arena.
“It’s a thrill. All they’ve got to do is execute and history could be made,” Agassi Prep coach William Hopkins said. “We achieved that goal to get to state, and we want that ring.”
Yerington (18-8) opened the second half on a 9-0 run capped by Tyler Peeples’ put-back basket to take a 36-34 lead.
But Jackson drilled a 3-pointer from the right wing to end a 13-4 surge that left the Stars up 47-40 late in the third quarter, and Agassi Prep never lost momentum from there.
“(Jackson) was huge to put the team on his back,” Hopkins said. “He got a couple baskets and made the team relax. From there, we just played solid defense.”
Agassi Prep dominated inside, keyed by center Anson Williams’ 16 points and six rebounds and forward Quincy Brown’s nine points and seven rebounds.
For players like Williams and Brown, who played in the Stars’ 81-78 loss to Needles in the 2A title game two years ago, this year’s state final is a chance to come full circle.
“I think it’s wonderful for the school,” Hopkins said. “I hope they come to play like they do in practice. I’m looking for them to put a ring on. If they do what we ask them to, they can win it.”
Taran Williams led Yerington with 21 points, and Peeples tallied 13 points and six rebounds for the Lions.
Incline 67, Needles 65 — Bobby Thoms’ put-back basket on the left low block of Matt Corneil’s missed 3-pointer as time expired gave the Highlanders the win over the Mustangs (18-7).
“He pulled up for the shot, and I crashed the boards like coach said,” Thoms said. “I just caught it and put it up, saw the buzzer go off and then people rushed me. I knew the game was over.”
Incline outscored Needles 30-20 in the fourth quarter on its way to the win.
Needles took a 65-62 lead when Aaron Burns converted a three-point play with 40.6 seconds left.
But Incline’s Patrick Howe drilled a 3-pointer from the right wing with 18 seconds remaining to tie the game at 65.
Michael Hills hit a 3-pointer to give Needles a 38-35 lead midway through the third quarter, starting a 10-2 run. The Highlanders, however, kept chipping away at a 45-37 deficit entering the fourth quarter.
Corneil’s 3-pointer from the top of the key pulled Incline within 61-60.
Corneil’s 3-pointer from the top of the key pulled Incline within 61-60.
Howe led Incline with 21 points. Thoms added 17 points, and Patrick Murray scored 14 for the Highlanders.
Ryan Andrews led Needles with 19 points. Michael Hills (17), Lewis Larrabee (12) and Aaron Burns (10) also scored in double figures for the Mustangs.
Needles bowed out in the semifinals of the 2A state tournament for the second straight year after winning the state title in 2008-09.
