Jackson HS- It didn’t begin the way Ribault intended, but the ending was just like they had planned all season. The Lady Colts of Ribault overcame a 10-0 early deficit to be crowned Duval County Middle School Champions.
It took a lot of effort to dig themselves out of an early hole as Fletcher came out aggressive and accurate from the outside. #4 Mattie Gilliam for Fletcher couldn’t miss, scoring 8 points in the first quarter and finishing with a game high 16 points.
However Ribault chipped at the lead by slowing the game down and getting to the foul line. Led by Destiny Donaldson, the Lady Colts used their height advantage to get shots down low, and to ramp up defense. It worked as Ribault clawed their way back into the game to tie it at 13-13 by halftime.
In the third quarter both teams traded baskets back and forth as neither team could shake the other. Nia #23 of Fletcher hit a big three pointer in the quarter, while Annaabelle and Jasmine also scored to help the team. For Ribault, Terrannya Medlock went to work, making big shots and drawing fouls. She scored 11 of her 12 points in the quarter.
Ribault would pull away in the fourth quarter as Donaldson scored 6 of her 12 points. Wight #25 for Ribault was also a force in the game on both ends of the court. The dagger came from an offensive rebound off a shot by Wright, which was kicked back to Donaldson who drove through lane like a hot knife through butter for the layup. “It felt really good to know that we played well and executed and we were able to come back and win”, said Donaldson after the game.
Terrannya Medlock scored 12 points and was named MVP of the Girls Championship 
Destiny Donaldson scored 12 points leading Ribault to a Championship
The Ribault girls basketball team was crowned Middle School basketball champions. Incredibly, the school won the football championship, and the boys and basketball championships as well. A remarkable job by the players, coaches, and administration.
Fletcher’s season came to an end, but Coach Belle and her team proved why they belonged on the grandest stage by playing hard and disciplined basketball leading to a championship.
