Jacksonville University commit Kimora Hester of Jackson came out hot for the Tigers as she kncoked down big shots to lift her team to a 23 to 14 early lead in the 2nd quarter of the Duval County Girls Basketball Gateway Conference Championship. Hester averages 12.6 points per game for Jackson leading them to a 13-6 record on the year. For Jackson and Head Coach Monica Gibson, they came into the Gateway Conference championship averaging 50.1 points per game. Senior Jaycie Corley was averaging 10.9 ppg for the Tigers, yet it was Malekhi Merritt who stood out on the court with her play for Jackson during the first half of the game. They led Ribault 38-32 at halftime.
Ribault came storming back though, thanks to the play of Trinity Berry who averages 15.6 ppg this year. Her three-pointer and a drive to the rim cut the deficit to 6 points as Ribault trailed 38 to 32 at the half. She continued her onslaught of points in the second half adding to a extremely impressive sophomore campaign by the 5 foot 8 guard. She has a D-1 offer from Mercer.
Sophomore Season Has Been Going Great For Me!!
— Trinity Berry (@TrinityBer75554) January 11, 2025
14.1 ppg
2.3rpg
1.2pg
And a 3.9 GPA!!
Trinity Berry/ 27’/ Jean Ribault High school/ East Coast United pic.twitter.com/8Rn9jizuqr
Berry and Jacoreyn Andrews hit big shots to cut the Jackson lead to one point, 41 to 40 in the 3rd quarter. Andrews finished with 7 points and 8 rebounds. Ribault came into the game averaging 50.5 ppg as senior Destiny Donaldson has been a key factor averaging 12.7ppg and 5.3 rpg.
Trista Brown and Terrannya Medlock would heat up. Brown dished a no-look pass to Medlock in the 3rd to put Ribault up by one point 44 to 43. Medlock finished the game with 15 points. Known for their defense, Ribault and head coach Dorian Stevens made adjustments and made life difficult for Jackson ball-handlers in the second half. Medlock would help Ribault increase their lead on key buckets as she is averaging 13.1ppg this season.
Madison Holmes-Price for Jackson was a key factor in the second half for Jackson. As Ribault keyed on Hester, Holmes-Price hit shot to bring them within one point 49 to 48 to begin the 4th quarter. However Trinity Berry hit multiple 3-pointers including one late to extend the Lady Trojans lead to 9 points. Trista Brown got to the line and knocked down her free throws as Ribault came from behind to defeat Jackson 72-60 to improve to 15-8 and be crowned Gateway Conference Champions.
Trinity Berry finished with 27 points and 4 Rebounds, while Trista Brown scored 18 points, had 8 assists, and secured 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals for Ribault. She also went 10-11 from the free throw line. Ribault will face Orange Park to end the regular season before district play. Jackson looks to finish the regular season strong with four remaining games starting with Atlantic Coast this week
