Jacksonville FL- The 2019 Duval County middle school basketball season is gearing up, and teams finished their last tune ups preparing for the regular season. One exhibition of note was held at the Legends Center on Jacksonville’s Northside, which the City of Jacksonville hosts annually. The tournament pits some of the best middle school basketball programs in the area against one another in friendly competition for the coveted championship trophy. Recreational Specialist Kevin Coleman oversees the tournament for the city, and it was another great success as parents and fans filled the Legends center for the games.
In girls action, Highlands defended their 2018 Legends Center Championship by defeating Kernan handily. Asiana Britt (#3) led the charge scoring points, and providing pressure on defense. The Wildcats suffocated Kernan, forcing turnovers and easy fast break points.
Kernan attempted to get the ball inside to their play maker Jada Jones however eight grader center Arianna Austin and small forward eight grader Deaunna Rosier bracketed Jones preventing her from receiving easy entry passes. Shooting guard seventh grader Jaide Williams would push the ball up court allowing her team to set up their offense expediently and efficiently. That combination ensured that Coach Eddie and company hoisted the tournament championship once again.
The boys tipped off after the girls championship as Ribault would face Mandarin. Both teams impressed in semifinal victories as Mandarin defeated Highlands and Ribault took down Kirby Smith, the 2018 Duval County Middle School Basketball runner-up. It set up for an intriguing matchup.
Mandarin would jump out to a lead as small forward eight grader Joey Witt drove the lane making tough layups and shots. His enthusiasm fueled his team early on as teammates eight grader point guard Fred Thomas and seventh grader shooting guard Kendric Bryant complimented his play with steals on defense and big shots on offense.
However, Ribault would respond in the second half as they chopped the Mandarin lead down. Eighth grader shooting guard Tyreese Smith would penetrate the defense scoring baskets on layups. Eight grade point guard Tadarius Devoe generated steals with his quickness and facilitated the ball. Eighth grade power forward Jaylen Armstead would hit big three-pointers to pull the Colts even closer.
Trailing by just two points, Ribault had a chance to tie the game, however two missed layups consecutively giving Mandarin the win and the Legends Center championship. Coach Mobley and his Hawks are looking to use this win as a spring board to the regular season. Ribault’s impressive showing may be an indication, that they also will make lots of noise in the regular season.
