Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of JERMEA JACKSON and JAMEYA BROWN Lead North Marion to Victory

North Marion hadn't done well against Vanguard recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The North Marion Colts came out on top against the Vanguard Knights by a score of 51-39. For the Colts, this counts as revenge for the 58-12 win the Knights walked away with the last time they faced one another back in January.

Leading North Marion to victory were JAMEYA BROWN and JERMEA JACKSON. BROWN went 8 of 14 on her way to 17 points and four steals, while JACKSON dropped a double-double on 18 points and 11 rebounds. BROWN is on a roll when it comes to points, as she's now scored 15 or more in the last five games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of AIYANNIA BARNES, who posted six points and six rebounds.

North Marion smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their offensive rebound total in three consecutive matchups.

Vanguard lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being I'Jaia Bethea, who had 17 points. Sylnya Roberson was another key player, putting up three points along with 12 boards and five blocks.

North Marion has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests, which provided a massive bump to their 6-7 record this season. As for Vanguard, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 5-4.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. North Marion will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Keystone Heights at 6:00 p.m. on January 7, 2025. As for Vanguard, they won't have much time to rest: their next game is against West Port at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. West Port is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 52.9 points per game this season.