By Darron Thomas
After taking the AA South State Championship nearly two weeks ago the Oak Forest Lady Jackets had high hopes of continuing that run through the state tournament in Brookhaven last week. And with 42 seconds remaining in their semi-final game against Marshall their chances of advancing to the title game looked promising. But Marshall overtook Oak Forest in the closing 27 seconds of the game to deal the Lady Jackets a stinging defeat 50-45. Then a lackluster performance against Brookhaven in the consolation game had many thinking Oak Forest would make a quick appearance at the Overall Tournament and call it a season. Now after two rounds have been completed the Lady Jackets again enter the semi-finals and again they will face Marshall.
Oak Forest took out Jackson Prep 45-39 in round one behind Cassie Bennett’s 19 points and 7 rebounds. Bennett was a torrid 9-11 from the field. Lauren Brumfield added 11 points and 7 boards, and Ashlyn Neal chipped in with 8 points and 9 rebounds.
The Lady Jackets seemed to have gotten their second wind after the state tournament and proceeded to dispose of Riverdale on Wednesday 55-31. Bennett had another stellar game with 16 points on 8-10 shooting from the field. Lauren Brumfield added 12, Lindsey Oliver 10, Ashlyn Neal and Brittani Roy 8 each.
Now they are one win away from playing in the Overall Championship game on Saturday. The only thing in their way is some unfinished business with the Marshall Academy Lady Patriots. What was missing in the state semi-final game is no longer absent…..Oak Forest Lady Jackets basketball.
Big “Shout Out” to Oak Forest head coach Jody Fekete. Coach Fekete obviously had his girls prepared and focused. Also a “Shout Out” to the Lady Jackets for showing a no quit attitude and those four seniors that start each game can be proud of what they have accomplished while at Oak Forest.*note* Cassie Bennett is an amazing 17-21 from the field in the first and second round games.
