By Sloan S. Mitchell, MJHS Class of 2025
This Women’s History Month, the Maynard H. Jackson High School Lady Jags made a bit of their own. On March 7th, the girls varsity basketball team became this year’s GHSA AAAAA (5A) State Champions. An astounding win against crosstown rivals Midtown High School yielded a final score of 58-44, marking the Lady Jags’ first time ever winning the state title in their division.
The victory was secured downstate at the Macon Centreplex, where the stands were packed with Jaguars cheering on their classmates. Before the game, MJHS senior and varsity cheer captain Kelsey Allen prepared to give her last high-school performance. She was sentimental after supporting the team for such a long time. “I’m excited to win,” she said. “I think we have a really good chance this year.”
Of course, Allen’s prediction was soon proven right.
Up in the stands, senior and boys varsity basketball player Chance “Mr. MJJ” Cunningham was ready to see the girls team play their hearts out. “I’m most excited for the girls to dominate on the court,” he said. Cunningham knew how important it was to support the team, and his outpouring of elation fired up the crowd. As the cheerleaders danced, the student section cheered on as well. Chants of “Give us the ring!” rang out as the players scored and Jaguars roared.
Among the crowd, another Jaguar described the feeling as “Electric!” Dr. Danser, the principal of MJHS, was incredibly proud of the team during halftime. Asked about his favorite part of attending basketball games, he replied, “I’m always impressed by the skills of our students; there is no doubt about that. But I also love the energy and enthusiasm, seeing all the stakeholders supporting Maynard Jackson.”
After the team won, the crowd went wild. “MJJ ALL DAY!” could be heard throughout the arena. Cheers and tears could be seen and heard by all. Senior player Shakira Gresham talked about the team’s performance: “We know how to put our differences aside on the court, and that’s how we made it past the final four.” Number 10, Taliah Cornish, is also a senior on the team and has been an outstanding player. It was her birthday during the final game. Cornish described it as “the best birthday present by far.”
Congratulations to the 5A Girls Basketball Championship Team, the Lady Jags! The business is finished.
