Home field advantage means a lot in big tournament games as Jackson Memorial Jaguars hosted Freehold Township Patriots in the NJSIAA Tournament Quarterfinal Round Central Jersey Group 4. Patriots were 11-13 coming into this matchup with a young team underneath head coach Debra Razzino which is led by Gaby Parker, Sophie Tonino, Madison Sciarrino and Gianna G. The Jaguars was looking to keep their momentum going coming in at 17-6 as a team that features Chelsea Lavezzo, Avery Brooks, Isabella Finer, Cali Brown and Julianna Old. Jackson has great chemistry as a group underneath head coach Rachel Goodale and rest of coaching staff.
Freehold Township got the early lead from a bucket by Sophie Tonino but then Jackson started to find their way as Isabella put them on the board with a three pointer. Cali Brown and Avery Brooks got into the three point action with Jaguars eventually going on a 12-0 run. The Patriots defense was struggling big time and couldn't stop their offense in first quarter. Chelsea Lavezzo does a great job of driving to the basket getting her shots or forcing fouls. Jaguars had a 18-6 lead going into the second quarter where Freehold did make a huge run.
Madison Sciarrino, Sophie Tonino and Adrianna Powell helped the Patriots get back into this game during second quarter as Jaguars defense was out of sync a little. Freehold Township's defense put more pressure, doing better on assignments and forcing some turnovers. Jaguars was still making their shots but the Patriots were able to counter back. Freehold Township cut the lead to 8 with Jaguars have a 29-21 lead heading into halftime. This would set up to be a fantastic ending in a huge game.
Freehold Township's adjustments worked as their defense was great in third quarter limiting Jackson's offense to only 8 points. The Patriots cut their deficit to four as they had all momentum going into the last quarter with Jaguars up 37-33. Avery Brooks who was looking like Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry out on the court helped Jackson with key three pointers and Jaguars were able to keep their lead. Cali Brown, Kaylee Ambos, Julianna Old, Isabella Finer and Chelsea Lavezzo also got some key buckets down the stretch. Jackson Memorial Jaguars got a big 49-41 victory over Freehold Township Patriots improving to 18-6.
Jackson Jaguars next game will be against Hightstown on Wednesday February 28th in the NJSIAA Tournament Semifinal Round Central Jersey Group 4.
Leading scorers for Jackson Memorial Jaguars
Chelsea Lavezzo 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 5 steals
Isabella Finer 10 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks
Avery Brooks 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 steals
Cali Brown 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Julianna Old 7 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal
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