Rye Jackson of Marion Catholic was not enamored with basketball.
5 -Foot -10 Guard/Forward, a Crete resident, said he did not start playing till the sixth grade. She could actually play first, but was a little hesitant about taking the game.
Jackson said, “I didn’t want to play because I was tall, and I did not want to be stereotype due to my height.” “But I tried it and I really liked it.”
Marian fans are sure that he is happy.
Jackson scored seven points from the bench on Tuesday night, which included five in the third quarter, as Spartons defeated host Wildcats 52-23 in the Class 3A Thornon sectional semi-finals in Harvey.
Western Illinois recruited Madison Davis, who was named the player of the East Suburban Catholic Conference, led the Marion (27-7) with 19 points. Jordan Bailey added seven.
Thornton (20–8) was placed with 12 digits by Palan Sigars.
This is a third straight journey for the sectional finals for Marion, which is 65–34 winners on the Vs Butler (23–10) at 7 pm on Thursday evening. Gabby Bedner led Celtics (18–16) with nine points.
Marion coach Dan Murray said Jackson played on Versity as a new person as part of the eight-khiladi rotation for Spartons. Now, she is out of the first bench, promoting the team every time.
“He is full of energy, is a brilliant defense player, and his crime is developing,” Murray said about Jackson. “You can see the abilities you have, and he gave us great minutes.”
Sajda Taimba (5) of Thornton closed a shot in traffic against Marion Catholic during the Class 3A Thornon Semifinal in Harvey on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. (Jeff Vorwa / Daily Southartown)
Davis remembered three years ago when she was playing Versity and how difficult it could be.
“She works so hard,” Davis said about Jackson. “Coming as a new person, nothing is easy and you are not given anything, especially with the talent of this team.
“Wearing a Marion Catholic jersey can be difficult, but she worked hard and gained confidence. He has so much talent. ,
Davis scored 25 points in the half of his team in the half to achieve the Spartons on Tuesday.
“Obviously, he has done a lot for us,” Murray said about Davis. “Thornton gave a good effort defensively and we got into trouble with dishonesty, so Maddy played this point for us.
“It is a luxury that she can do a lot and can come to that place and play well.”
Two years ago, Davis helped Spartons lead their first sectional title since 2014. He won it again in the last season and is ready for a trifica on Thursday.
Playing in the sectional finals is becoming a habit that he and his companions enjoy.
Davis said, “I think it’s a good thing.” “It’s very fun. The atmosphere and environment is very fun to be out with your team. ,
Madison Davis (23) of Marion Catholic began driving against host Wildcats during the Class 3A Thornon Semifinal in Harvey on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. (Jeff Vorwa / Daily Southartown)
Davis confirmed that the Spartons were looking at a possible visit to the state. In the last two sessions, they have moved 0–2 in the superspiracy.
“I think we are going to change it this year,” he said.
Davis also said that he was honored by being recognized as the top players at the conference.
Davis said, “I worked hard, but my colleagues and coaches did a lot for me so that I could win it.” “None of them is possible without them.”
Is this even more possible? A talented player in Jackson is coming out of the bench and producing minutes of quality, the process helps in the depth of Marion.
Jackson may be Iffy on the game at first, but now he is sold.
“When you play basketball, you can forget everything,” Jackson said. “When you play basketball, it doesn’t matter what is happening at home and what is happening in school.
“You can get away from it.”
Jeff Vorwa is a freelance reporter for Daily Southtown.