

Gardena, CA – Martin Luther King Day, now always has some great basketball games The Lady Jackrabbits didn’t disappoint the fans. JSerra High School hosted the ML King Festival with a closing game that saw the Long Beach Poly Lady Jackrabbits (14-3) defeated the Lakeside Lancers (15-4) 67-47.
The Lady Jackrabbits had too much speed and ball movement for the Lancers to handle. Forward Jasmine Jones was a beast in first and second half finishing with game high 21 points. Jones was great down in paint showing off her athleticism facing Lakeside true center Emma Merriweather who stood 6’3. Merriweather had only 8 points but if they could run a high low game with her better she could dominate a game like Jones did.

By halftime the Lady Jackrabbits had already opened a 10 point lead 36-26. The last time the game was close was at 7-7 tie in first quarter, that ended 21-16. Coach Carl Buggs looked pretty calm most of the game with his team getting stronger as game went on. His bench came in and played solid for the Lady Jackrabbits when need to give some relief and allow them to keep pressure on the ball 3/4 court.
Lakeside guard Triann Thompson played hard all game leading her team with 15 points, and three 3 points in first half. She almost tried to do to much during parts of the game, but she was a true competitor on the court.

In the third quarter with the Lady Jackrabbits up by 16 points, Lakeside got a big spark from Marissa Williams who hit back to back threes before being neutralized by Da’Jah Jackson who quieted run with three of her own as a response.
One of the impressive things about watching this team is there underclassmen step up and perform. Freshman guard Deja Williams showed off her ball skills and great full court defensive. Sompmore Kennedi Shorts played one of her best games getting few blocks and a couple key baskets.

These teams will be back into playing league and will be a force once playoffs hit in their respective division in the CIF Southern Section.
The Second Annual MLK Cavalier Extravaganza Hosted by Serra Girls Basketball Team at JSerra High School Game Recaps
Game1 Serra JV vs Long Beach Poly JV
Game 2 Redondo Union vs Saint Anthony’s 50-52
Game 3 Eagle Rock vs Culver City 25-39
Game 4 Mira Costa vs Milikan 40-68
Game 5 La Salle vs Narbonne 48-28
Game 6 Troy vs Brea Olinda 47-61
Game 7 Long Beach Poly vs Lakeside 67-47
Serra’s Basketball Coach Hadley commented, “I have a great deal of respect for Coach Sink and Coach Buggs, along with all of the other coaches that are competing in our showcase. If you like good basketball, you won’t want to miss it—it will be a fun day,”