Oxford’s Classic Return

FAIRFIELD HERITAGE CLASSIC Oxford 52, Jackson-Olin 51

By Al Muskewitz

Jaylen Alexander made 2 free throws in 39 seconds to give Oxford the lead. He then blocked a 3-pointer from the corner in the final seconds to cap a fourth quarter rally that saw the Yellow Jackets defeat Jackson-Olin 52 to 51 in the consolation bracket at the Fairfield Heritage Classic.

All night, the Jackets were playing catch-up. The Jackets trailed 13 at the start of the fourth quarter. However, they came alive on both ends.

Caleb Sanders was the leader of the defensive effort, with six steals during the quarter. Jayden Lewis and Alexander finished them off at the offensive end. Alexander scored 10 of his game high 23 points in the fourth quarter, while Lewis added six of his 17 point total there.

VanMeter stated that they applied some pressure and then went to their red press. It was a run-and jump, and they were forced to turn the ball over. Caleb was an incredible defensive presence on the ball. Jaylen, Jayden and Jayden took over the scoring. Jaylen (Lewis), scoring at the rim, was scoring where Jaylen wanted.

Alexander pulled up a jumper from 12ft with less than one minute left to bring the Jackets within one. Alexander drove to the rim after a turnover, and they made a defensive stop. Alexander made two free throws, making it 52-51.

Jackson-Olin had still a chance. Jeremiah Taylor was lined up in the corner to score a 3, but Alexander saw the opportunity and stopped it to keep the lead.

VanMeter stated that they had a great defensive rotation and everyone was in the right spots. Jaylen stopped Jaylen’s attempt to block a contested 3.

OXFORD 52 and JACKSON-OLIN51

OXFORD- Jaylen Alexander 8-5 23, Caleb Sanders 1 0-0 0, Dashaun Calaway 0,0-0 0, Chase Truitt 1 0-0 0, Jayden Lewis 7-5 17, Jayden Lewis 7-5 17, Jayden Lee 1 0-0 3, Jayden Lyle 7 3-5 17, Jayden Thomas 1 0-0 3, Jayden Davis 1 0-0 3, Cristian Gibson 0-1 0, Anthony Davis 0–0-0 0. Totals 19 7-10 52.

JACKSONOLIN – Christopher Hayes 5 2-3 12, Amauria Casey 5 2-3 12, David Green 4-4 14, Christian Moko 50-0 10, Jeremiah Taylor 0 0-0 2, Reginald Ward 0 0-0 6, Lamarius Burs 0 0-0 0, Jordan Spencer 0 0-0 0. Totals 20 7-11 51.

3-point goals: Oxford 7 [Alexander 3, Reaves 2, Perry and Gibson]; J-O 4 (“Green 2, Ward 2”). Total fouls: Oxford 16, J.O 13. Officials: Baldwin, Clay, Bradford.