Lakeland Fl- This one hurt. Not because Jackson was the better team. Not because Jackson controlled the game for three quarters. No, this one hurt because Jackson found themselves in the same position once again but couldn’t finish the big game. In 2020, Jackson lost the state championship to St. Andrews after being tied 48-48 in the 4th quarter. In 2022, Jackson struggled shooting 30% from the field losing the title game to Calvary. Saturday, after leading the state championship for three quarters, the Tigers were tied against Gibbs 34-34 in the fourth. Yet Gibbs outscored them 15-9 in the final quarter to send Jackson home with another state championship loss. This marked their fourth title loss since 2018-2019.
Jackson came into the contest ranked #1 in Class 4A, and the #10 team in Florida. Gibbs was ranked the #10 team in 4A. The Tigers defeated Villages in the State semifinals 47-43, and turned their focus towards Gibbs. Ironically, both The Villages and Gibbs appeared in the Final 4 last year. So Jackson’s win over Villages marked one notch in a title belt that they hoped to hoist Saturday at RP Funding center.
Early on it looked like that would happen as Jackson built an early lead using multiple lineups. Ronald Durham who is “Mister Everything” for Jackson showed why he has that moniker as he hit shots, and grabbed rebounds, two categories that he leads the the team in.
Second chance points and rebounds! Jackson has led in both categories has the widen the 3rd qtr lead vs Gibbs! pic.twitter.com/TS5lYf1mHG
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 2, 2024
Jahari Simmons also hit big shots for Jackson, including a jumper in the first half and a big 3-pointer in the second half. It was mostly a defensive contest, as Jackson and Gibbs struggled to hit shots from beyond the arch. Gibbs was 2-7 shooting 3-pointers, and Jackson was 0-5 shooting 3-pointers in the first half. Still, Jackson held the 22-18 halftime lead and was just one half away from the title.
Jackson leads Gibbs 14-10 end of 1st! Class 4 A Boys State Championship! Jahari Simmons with the jumper! pic.twitter.com/uUwe5oCO3R
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 2, 2024
Jackson would continue to play tough defense in the third quarter controlling the tempo and the paint for the most part. Jackson out-rebounded Gibbs in the first half by 2-1 margin. However, Gibbs would cut into the lead late in the third quarter as they began to focus on their rebounding with a larger lineup, and attacking with their guards. Gibbs junior guard Jacob Daniels started to heat up, making shots and moving without the ball. He finished with 22 points in the game.
Gibbs now leads Jackson 43-36 4th The Gladiators took the lead on this Jacob Daniels layin! pic.twitter.com/FJLUtmAnoX
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 2, 2024
Daniels also had 2 assists and 5 rebounds in the game, both which led his team. One of his assists was a beautiful no-look pass to Bobby Crawford who finished with a big slam dunk. The play capped a comeback by Gibbs that saw them turn up the scoring, something they had been known for this season.
Jacob Daniels to big Bobby Crawford! 💥 Gibbs extends the 4th quarter lead over Jackson! pic.twitter.com/Dj58u16nb7
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 2, 2024
Octavious Lawson tried to keep Jackson in the game hitting two shots down the stretch along with Jahari Simmon’s 3-pointer. However, the damage was already done as Gibbs converted free-throws down the stretch and Jackson failed to knock down shots as Gibbs defeated Jackson 49-43.
Jackson not giving up Octavious Lawson with the put back! But time is running out! pic.twitter.com/EkmwLKkuns
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 2, 2024
For Gibbs it was their first state championship since 1969. It is their third state title overall. This was a special win for them, as they got revenge from a loss to Jackson in the 2021 Final 4. Coach Larry Murphy celebrated the long awaited title for his team and the historic high school in St Petersburg Florida.
For Jackson, another historic high school in Jacksonville Florida, it was another disappointing loss. Their fourth championship loss since 2019. Their first against a public school, and a drought spanning three decades since 1993. In fact, no boys basketball public school from Jacksonville has won a title since Raines in 2004.
What is more disappointing for the Tigers, is that Jackson defeated Gibbs 52-48 in January of this season..Yet they should certainly hold their heads high as they played as a team, and it showed by going 26-4 this season. They also won another Gateway Conference title, a district title, a regional title, and were crowned state runners up. Coach Collins and company have accomplished so much, and seem to be just one step away from winning the big one.
