For the first time after 10 games, no dread accompanied the return of Abigail Jackson, the only senior member of the Community Christian School varsity girls basketball team, to the locker room following the game.
Not only was Jackson’s career-best performance of 26 points and 18 rebounds not in vain, but the Lady Cyclones won for the first time during the 2022-23 season, stinging visiting Bethel Christian of Kinston, 45-37, Thursday evening in Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf’s Barney Williamson Gymnasium
“I was really excited,” exclaimed Jackson, whose dad, Andy, is the team’s head coach. “There was not a bad word to say. We were all happy, and it gave us hope for the rest of the season.”
A promising sign flashed early when CCS led in a game for the first time this season. A pair of free throws from sophomore Olivia Carter boosted the Cyclones to a 12-10 edge with 7:41 left in the second quarter. CCS owned a 19-16 halftime lead and expanded the margin to 30-24 after three quarters. The Cyclones of the North Carolina Christian Athletic Association 2-A ranks did not trail again after snapping a 30-30 tie.
CCS players were aware Bethel had won just once in 11 games and, said the smiling Jackson: “We knew this was going to be the night.“
Be assured the final result was not achieved in picturesque fashion. The teams combined for 46 turnovers – 28 by CCS; 49 fouls – 31 from the Trojans; and shot 60 free throws. Decisive for the Cyclones was a 27-for-49 performance at the foul line, while Bethel, a member of the North Carolina Christian School Association 2-A ranks, sank just 2 of 13.
“We hustled more,” Jackson explained. “We haven’t been hitting free throws, but everybody tonight was at least 50 percent. We rebounded well (a whopping 57-40 advantage); instead of being behind people, we were in front of them. And we played better defense.”
Despite being burdened by four fouls, Jackson responded with a sensational second half. She swished her last 11 free throws and, for the game, was a sizzling 17 of 20. She was a dominant rebounder, triggered the defense and orchestrated the offense.
“I’m the captain,” she reasoned, “and I try to do all I can.”
Jackson got help from teammates that stepped up a level. Olivia Carter netted 10 points. Freshman Aiyana Holmes snared 17 rebounds and freshman Allie Whitley 12. When Jackson wasn’t handling the ball, sisters Claire, a freshman, and Olivia Carter were. Freshman Abril Ventura factored with her defense, free throws and field goals. Sophomore Katie Mangum spelled those in need of a rest.
“I felt a whole lot of pressure at the foul line,” Jackson admitted. “I knew I had to knock them in. I just tried to cancel everything out and act like the score was 0-0.
“I honestly felt like we could win when I hit the free throws back-to-back, and we pressed them and got those turnovers.”
Olivia Carter and Jackson provided the second-quarter spark. However, the Trojans surged into the lead in the third quarter behind junior Olivia Fuleher and Anna Donoho.
In the fourth quarter, CCS forged a 30-30 tie on Olivia Carter’s basket. But Jackson picked up her fourth foul with 5:50 still remaining.
However, Jackson and her supporting cast were not phased in handling the effort of Bethel’s Fulcher, who was determined not to lose.
A string of points from Jackson and Ventura’s two free throws sent CCS to a 43-35 margin. The Cyclones could sense the night was theirs after Jackson’s layup produced a 62-49 margin with 3:25 showing.
CCS’s youth glared in the final minutes, but Bethel’s Fulcher didn’t get any help.
Although in a jubilant mood, Jackson insisted her plight has not been dismal despite the 0-9 start.
“I have enjoyed this season,” she contended, “I have been helping the other girls and I am still learning as well.
“But, now, this feels really good. It was a long time coming.”
BETHEL CHRISTIAN (37)
Gates 2, Davenport, Morrison 1, Salazar 2, Lanning, Manning, Baker 6, Donoho 4, Devine, Fulcher 22.
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN (45)
Jackson 26, C. Carter, O. Carter 10, Ventura 6, Holmes 2, Mangum, Whitley 1.
Score by quarters:
BCA 10 9 11 6 — 37
CCS 10 6 8 21 — 45
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