In a highly anticipated showdown between two undefeated powerhouses, the James Weldon Johnson Trojans squared off against the Springfield Comets in the championship clash of the 2023-2024 Duval County Middle School Girls’ Basketball Championship.
Last year, controversy surrounded the Duval County girls championship as Landmark was crowned champions by default. Landmark Middle was scheduled to play Springfield Middle for the championship, however the game was cancelled and Springfield was forced to forfeit due to an illegal player. Ironically, Springfield defeated James Weldon Johnson in the playoffs last year, so this year’s matchup was a chance to get revenge. This was also a chance to prove that they belonged in the championship game last year, for a chance to defend their title from 2022.
The Trojans wasted no time asserting their dominance, storming to an early 4-0 lead with a layup from #5, setting the tone for the contest. Springfield responded with a short jumper from #2, momentarily narrowing the gap to 8-4 as the first quarter drew to a close.
JW Johnson girls with an early 4-0 lead over Springfield. 4:30 left in the 1st quarter @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/iMjm7cjTDC
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) March 1, 2024
Undeterred, the Trojans continued their offensive onslaught in the second quarter, with #11 Jorrdann Sibley adding to their lead with another layup. JW Johnson entered halftime with a commanding 23-8 advantage, showcasing their prowess on both ends of the court.
JW #11 with the layup to add to their lead! @DuvalSports
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) March 1, 2024
JW Johnson-16
Springfield- 6
2:50 left in the 2nd quarter pic.twitter.com/JGgJFiaHBc
As the game progressed into the third quarter, James Weldon Johnson maintained their stranglehold on the lead, holding a 27-12 advantage over the Comets with just three minutes remaining. However, Springfield’s #1 Rainah Small rallied her team with a crucial three-pointer, providing a much-needed spark for the Comets’ offense.
Springfield #1 is starting to heat up! Three point play to cut the lead 27-18 with 1 min left in the 3rd quarter! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/htWuq7Zk5Y
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) March 1, 2024
Small continued to lead the charge for the Comets, contributing another impressive three-point play to chip away at James Weldon Johnson’s lead. She would finish with a game high 15-points.However, her valiant efforts were ultimately hampered as she fouled out of the game in the fourth quarter, leaving Springfield shorthanded in their quest for a comeback.
2023-2024 Girls Duval County Middle School City Champions are the JW Johnson Trojans with an undefeated season! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/vgXHCUYj6F
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) March 1, 2024
Despite Springfield’s resilience, the James Weldon Johnson Trojans proved to be too formidable, clinching a decisive 39-27 victory to capture the title of the 2023-2024 Duval County Middle School Champions. Jorrdann Sibley’s standout performance of a team high 8 points earned her the coveted MVP honors, highlighting her instrumental role in the Trojans’ championship triumph.
With this commanding win, the James Weldon Johnson Trojans etched their names into the Duval County Middle School basketball history once again. Capping another remarkable season by head coach Erica Burton. With this well-deserved championship victory, she has now won two middle school championships at James Weldon Johnson in the last three years.
