By Kyle Roberts
A dual-sided effort from senior Zaccheya Jackson helped lead Ruston High’s Lady Bearcats to a 56-38 win Tuesday night at home in Memorial Gym on the campus of Louisiana Tech in a matchup with Arcadia.
“I’m very proud of our effort,” Ruston High Lady Bearcat head coach Meredith Graf said. “I feel like our effort level stayed consistent the whole game. And I think that’s just so important in this time of year that kids don’t get too high or too low with the ebbs and flows of the game. And I really try to preach, and I think my kids do a great job of like listening– you just got to stay the course and there’s going to be different things thrown at us. We’ve seen everything anybody could throw at us, pretty much.
“And sometimes it may be a little bit new, but we just got to basically adjust and take care of the ball. We’ve got some goals that we’ve set for ourselves that we’re really trying to lock in on, and it gives us purpose for every game.”
Jackson finished with 16 points and multiple steals on the night.
“She is one of those players that when she’s off the floor, you know it,” Graf said. “She is a very steady player. She really is like glue for us in a lot of ways. To me, she’s just getting more and more comfortable and confident, particularly coming back from injury. And I know we’re towards the end of the season, but, there’s just something for somebody returning to kind of really gain that confidence that they had in every way. It makes my heart light. It makes me smile because I know the work she’s put in and to see her go out there and compete freely without worry and have the success that she’s having. I mean, it’s literally well-earned. So when you see somebody like in that position and you see the work they put in and they have the success they deserve, I mean, there’s nothing better as a coach.”
Ruston shot out to a fast start in the first quarter to lead 15-6 after one and took a 29-16 lead into the halftime locker room. Arcadia would rally to pull within 7 early in the third quarter before Ruston would ultimately pull away for the victory.
Senior Jaliyah McWain match Jackson’s points with 16, as well.
Graf was quick to acknowledge the Lady Hornets for a competitive performance.
“Arcadia is an excellent team,” Graf said. “If you don’t show up, they’ll take it to the house on you. They have excellent coaching, and they are another high-quality girls basketball program in North Louisiana.”
The Lady Bearcats return to action Friday, Jan. 26, on the road at Ouachita to resume district play. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m.
