Munz ready to see Jackson High girls basketball take big step forward
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson – This was a youthful team, and by youthful, we’re talking hardly any varsity experience.
It was also a team without a coach until shortly before the 2014-15 season officially started.
By the end of the winter campaign, the Jackson High girls basketball team had taken some needed strides in the right direction, but still closed up shop with a 6-16 overall record.
Now in his second season, coach Elliot Munz expects things to be different, and by different, we’re talking better.
“We have some pieces in place to be much better,” Munz said. “The girls have one more year of varsity experience under their belt. Remember, we only had three seniors last year, most girls were new to varsity basketball, and I was in my first year, starting very late with the team. A lot is different now.”
Munz said it started with a productive offseason, and although early, signs have been good so far as to that paying off.
“They are playing very confidently,” he said. “We have some great senior leadership and brought up four freshmen we expect to help. We’ve been in a few scrimmages already, and we look strong.”
Seven girls are back from last year’s squad, three of which were regular starters.
Cyerra Johnson, a first-team All-Conference recipient as a junior, returns to run the point after totaling 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.7 steals per game as a junior.
Makaiyla Perdue (8.8 points and 8.5 rebounds) is also back as a returning starter along with Makayla Davis (7.7, 8.4). Taylor Johnson also saw some time in the starting lineup.
Offense wasn’t an issue a year ago, as the team averaged roughly 43 per game.
But Munz knows giving up more than 51, as his team did, can’t be the same.
“The keys for us are remaining confident, having fun and playing good defense,” he stressed. “From what I can see now, all of that is very doable. And with that in mind, I know this team can improve. That’s the main thing. We want to improve on what we were last year.”
Jackson officially opens the 2015-16 season Dec. 1 at home against Battle Creek Central.
Photo Courtesy of Jackson Girls Basketball
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him atmjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.