Paxon HS- Quinnton Jackson’s 3-pointer gave Paxon their first lead and the 50-49 win over First Coast in the Gateway Conference Semifinals Thursday night. Jackson scored 26 points in the game including the go ahead 3 pointer to the eruption of the home crowd. It was an amazing comeback for Coach Toby Frazier and his Golden Eagles. Said coach Frazier after the game “people wrote us off after Isiah left, I’m really proud of these kids man, they just fight for everything”
It was a fight all the way through as First Coast gave the home team a run for their money. The Bucs held a 16-13 lead after the first quarter thanks to defense and dunks. Tavine Kelley and De’Marcus Allen dunks and a Ricko Anderson’s 3-pointer helped First Coast take a 33-27 lead into halftime.
Paxon would slow down the First Coast high flying affair by clogging lanes and making 3-pointers on the offensive end. Ja’Kobe Williams slashed to the basket for layups, and Jackson slowly brought his team back with defense and making shots. Daniel Watson hit a 3- pointer to cut the First Coast lead to two points 49-47 in the fourth quarter.
Jackson would cement the comeback hitting the big 3-pointer, and taking a charge on the defensive end, giving his team their second consecutive appearance in the Gateway Conference Title game.
The Eagles will travel to Main Street to face the Jackson Tigers (13-4), setting up a battle between the last two Gateway Conference Champions. Paxon won it in 2020 and Jackson in 2019. Paxon is now 16-5 on the season. THe game is Friday at 6pm.
