The Jackson County Blue Devils defeated Humboldt in the Class 1A state championship Saturday evening by a score of 52-39.
Jackson County saw the first six points of the game go to Humboldt before answering with a run of their own. The Blue Devils scored 15 of the next 17 points to carry a lead in the early stages on the second quarter. Humboldt would respond, scoring the next six points, and both teams traded leads before halftime saw the score tied at 22.
An 11-4 run by Jackson County would start the second half, headlined by Parker Patterson nailing two three pointers during the run. The run would give the Blue Devils a seven point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Patterson and Alex Meadows would score eight points at the free throw line in the fourth quarter. The defense for Jackson County would hold Humboldt to seven points in the fourth quarter to secure a 52-39 victory.
Will McCrary secured 18 points and 15 rebounds on 8 of 13 shooting. McCrary also took home the Class 1A tournament MVP.
Parker Patterson finished with 13 points. Alex Meadows would add 10 points and 4 assists while going 4 of 7 shooting. Patterson, Meadows, and Aden Netherton would all leave Murfreesboro after being named to the Class 1A All-Tournament team.
Humboldt’s Darion Taylor led all players in scoring with 23 points on 9 of 23 shooting.
The win marks the first state championship in Jackson County boys basketball program history and the second sport to ever bring home a Gold Ball to Gainesboro. It is the first state championship for Jackson County since the Lady Blue Devils won the girls basketball state championship in the 2013 season.