Southside– Senior Center Ahren Freeman scored 23 points, including two clutch free throws down the stretch to lead the Providence Stallions over the Jackson Tigers 49-47 in prime time Friday night basketball action. Providence and Jackson both came into the game red hot. Jackson fresh off their Gateway Conference Championship victory over First Coast. Providence, winners of ten of their last eleven games and undefeated in Northeast Florida. The stage was set for an exciting game on senior night.
Before the game, Providence honored all of their seniors including former teammate Tommy Waters who tragically lost his life at the beginning of the school year. His jersey was signed by all his teammates, enclosed in a custom frame and presented to his mother Robin Waters.
Said Robin before the game “The love and support from Providence has been outstanding, this is one of many beautiful things they have done throughout the year; I’m completely overjoyed”. Family member Fable Burden said of Tommy “It’s a really good feeling to see that his legacy live on” Basketball was Tommy’s life, and so it was fitting that his teammates honored him on the court with their play.
Robin Waters, mother of fallen Providence Basketball player Tommy Waters was presented with her son’s signed jersey and a big hug from teammate Ahren Freeman on senior night. pic.twitter.com/WQwE7BrmLo
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) February 9, 2019
From the onset, Providence played aggressive and inspired basketball. Freeman scored eight points in the first quarter including a thunderous dunk that brought the home crowd to their feet. However Jackson would match that intensity and then some as several players got into the action. Sophomore David Daniels slashed to the hole scoring four points, and senior Joshua Knox electrified the crowd with four points including a fast break dunk as Jackson took an early 11-10 lead.
Joshua Knox bringing down Fort Knox with the Slam Dunk! Jackson leads Providence 11-10 end of 1st pic.twitter.com/fC3ExbRJKp
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) February 9, 2019
In the second, Providence capitalized on their mismatches down low as Freeman dominated the paint with nine points. When he didn’t score on a big dunk or layup, he made up for it by drawing fouls and knocking down his foul shots. The attention Freeman received down low allowed teammates to get open as Norman Haynes knocked down a big three pointer. Providence would take a 26-17 lead into halftime.
Guard David Daniels to the rack! Jackson with the slim lead over Providence start of 2nd pic.twitter.com/ytLtDBA2D5
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) February 9, 2019
In the second half, Jackson would chip at the Providence lead by changing their defensive strategy to pressure the paint and contest passes. They were able to knock down big shots including a three pointer from senior guard Brandon Fleming. Knox would score six of the fifteen Jackson points in the quarter, their biggest output of the game. Providence’s Noah Mitchell and James Repass both scored four points in the quarter as the Stallions held on to seven point lead headed to the fourth.
Ahmed Freeman leads all scorers with 15 points at halftime. Providence Stallions over Andrew Jackson 26-17 to start the 3rd quarter. pic.twitter.com/RYqgj7Klt1
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) February 9, 2019
In the fourth, Jackson would cut the seven point lead to three as Fleming knocked down another three pointer and senior Sidney Parks hit two free throws. Yet Providence would hold off the comeback thanks to clutch free throws from the man who started the scoring for the Stallions, University of New Orleans commit Ahren Freeman. Said Freeman after the win, ” this is a special season, since we lost our teammate, so we play for him every day,every game, every practice”.
A last second 3-pointer by Daniels was too little too late for Jackson as they fell to Providence 49-47. Noah Mitchell finished with 9 points, and Norman Haynes 5 points for Providence(22-3). Said Mitchell after the game, “A lot of emotion, senior night, Tommy, we’re just glad to get a win”. For Jackson(20-5), Knox scored 13 points, Daniels 12 points, and Parks chipped in with 9 points, as they both prepare for districts next week.
