JEFF NEAL
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Oakland Middle’s Jewels Jones is bottled up by the Upperman defense of Ella Davis and Emery South during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS
The Oakland Middle girls’ basketball team fell big to the Upperman Middle Yellow Jackets Saturday, 61-17, and ended the season one game short of the TMSAA state tourney Saturday at Oakland.
Oakland ended the season at 17-3 and a region title in hand for the 2026 basketball season.
Upperman forced 12 first-half turnovers with a 2-1-2 press that Oakland couldn’t solve.
The Yellow Jackets scored the first 21 points before Oakland could crack the board, but it was too late as Upperman was up 34-6 at intermission.
“Bad shooting and ballhandling night for us,” Oakland coach Blake Higgs said. “It was just a bad night all around.”
The Yellow Jackets had three players in double digits, led by Emery South with 18, Londyn Crouch 17 and Lakyn Greer 14.
“We pride ourselves on rebounding and defense,” Upperman coach Emily Hughes said. “I have a good group of girls that want to play their best every time out and our community supports our teams very well.”
BOX SCORE
Upperman (61): Emery South 18, Londyn Crouch 17, Lakyn Greer 14, Harper Dolente 6, Aspen Jo Asberry 3 Libby Hughes 2, James Myatt 1.
Oakland (17): Leah Leavy 6, Jewels Jones 3, Emma Maxwell 2, Alaiyah Metcalf 2, Khai Ross 2, Ireland York 2.
Oakland Middle’s Leila Himelick is blocked by Upperman’s James Myatt as she drives toward the basket during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS
Oakland Middle’s Ireland York looks for room in the middle of the Upperman defense during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS
Oakland Middle’s Jewels Jones loses control of the ball after she dribbles by Upperman’s Emery South during their sectional game at Oakland Saturday. JIM DAVIS