Jacksonville Fl- The Class 4A girls basketball matchup between the Paxon Golden Eagles and the Ribault Lady Trojans was the third installment of an amazing series of games this season. In December, Ribault defeated Paxon 72-64 led by Junior Destiny Donaldson’s 28 points. In January, Paxon bested Ribault 61-60 led by Senior Ansley Hick’s 33 points. This time, a cold February night would decide who would win the season series, but more importantly advance to the next round of the playoffs.
As predicted both stars would shoot out like a comet, getting off to fast starts. Ansley Hicks scored the first points of the game on the way to a 7-point first quarter. Paxon built a marginal lead thanks to her aggressive attacking to the basket. This also created opportunities for other players Nina Kamma-Hill to knock down big shots, and Sharla Adams to receive assists for layups.
Paxon scores first! Ansley Hicks @hicks_ansley They face Ribault in the Class 4A Girls Basketball First Round Playoffs! 2-2 Paxon and Ribault pic.twitter.com/OcDBne2Fux
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 15, 2024
However, Donaldson would start fast too, driving to the basket using her length to get past defenders hitting shots and drawing fouls. She and junior Terryanna Medlock were too long and too quick to get a handle on as they created shots with their athleticism and pin point shooting. Medlock (4) and Donaldson (3) combined for 7 of Ribault’s 10 points as they trailed Paxon 11-10 after one.
A 12-0 Run by Ribault! Harassing defense vs Paxon! Destiny Donaldson with the Latin! She's been unstoppable! Ribault 27-18 over Paxon! 2nd ,3:13 pic.twitter.com/36P7je3ziV
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 15, 2024
This would be a sign of things to come in the game, as Ribault used several different players and matchups to score points, and apply pressure on defense. In the second quarter, Ribault went on a 12-0 run with this formula. They outscored Paxon 25-11 thanks to hot shooting from junior Alexzondria Gross who hit two 3-pointers scoring 8 of of her 10-points in the second. Seven different players scored in the second, as Paxon had no answer for the ball movement and suffocating defense of Ribault. Senior Kayla Massey scored 3-points and led the charge into the half leading 35-22.
Kayla Massey gets 2pts! What a steal by Leniya Green! Ribault keeps Paxon down 4pts pic.twitter.com/6r4Nac0EOB
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 15, 2024
Ribault would execute a 5-man substitution in the third quarter, as coach Dorain Stevens rested her starters but allowed her players on the court to be aggressive. That diversity in line-up was a key factor in the game.
Said Stevens, “I felt like they couldn’t handle our press, so I wanted to keep fresh bodies out there, so we could keep the pressure on”.
This strategy worked like a charm as nine different players scored for Ribault. “I put in a group that I knew could handle the Paxon pressure because they started to press us, and I knew they could take care of the basketball, I’ve relied on them all year long“. -Dorian Stevens
Nyaishia Grace! From DOWNTOWN! Ribault extends their lead 32-18 over Paxon! pic.twitter.com/63WdgqygFQ
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 15, 2024
Entering the fourth, Ribault still had an 18-point advantage thanks to Danyjah Johnson, Leniyah Green, Trinity Berry, Nyeema Dixon, and Kae’dynce Jones all scored in the third and helped to keep Paxon’s guards under wraps. Yet there was a silver lining for Paxon as for the first time, other players besides Hicks, Hill and senior Kennedy Waymer scored. Sydney Majors, Reese Holman and Adams chipped in the scoring to help take pressure off of the playmakers. This worked to their advantage.
Danyjah Johnson from Downtown! Ribault can't miss! 56-36 leading Paxon! End of 3rd! pic.twitter.com/Pya9s3V93v
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 15, 2024
Coach Rod Carter and the Golden Eagles would make a furious fourth quarter comeback as Waymer heated up. She’d score 6 of her 10-points in the fourth. Hill knocked down a 3-pointer scoring 7 in the fourth. While Ansley Hicks kept doing what she did all game, blowing past defenders or pulling up for jumpers. Hick’s would score 7 points in every quarter, as her incredible effort pulled Paxon to within 4-points.
Trinity Berry with a BIG shot for Ribault! 61-54 ,4th 2:47 to play! First round class 4A Playoffs! pic.twitter.com/NRJNNhPI83
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 15, 2024
Yet, the young Ribault squad showed incredible poise and maturity, responding to the comeback with calmness. Medlock would get a key block on defense, while Donaldson and Massey would make free throws to keep the lead. In the end, it was Trinity Berry who hit a big shot down the stretch to stretch the lead and bring home the win for Ribault 65-60.
Terryanna Medlock what a block! pic.twitter.com/oIzUfvT4Ka
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 15, 2024
Ribault was determined to advance to the next round, and they were successful. Now they will face a familiar playoff foe in Bishop Kenny on Monday in the second round of the playoffs. Bishop Kenny defeated South Walton 59-41 on Wednesday to advance.
Top Scores:
Ansley Hicks, Paxon-28 points
Nina Kamma-Hill, Paxon-11 points
Terryanna Medlock, Ribault-11 points
Alexzondria Gross, Ribault- 10 points
Kennedy Waymer, Paxon-10 points
Kayla Massy, Ribault- 10 points
Destiny Donaldson, Ribault-9 points
