Athletics News

Semester’s Basketball Games Mark Coach Sojourner’s Final Season

/ Athletics

Both Jackson Academy varsity basketball teams finished their pre-conference schedules with 12-3 records and are looking forward to tonight as conference play begins at The Raider Dome. This is also a reminder that there are only 10 games left in the regular season to honor Head Coach Jan Sojourner with your attendance. Five home games and five away are all that remain in the stellar 45-year career of the third winningest girls basketball coach in Mississippi history. Come out and support Coach Sojourner, the Lady Raiders, and the Raiders tonight. Varsity games begin at 6:30 p.m. and JV games get started at 4 p.m.

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Raider Network Broadcasts Ole Miss vs. Southern Miss on ESPN Platform

/ Athletics

Jackson Academy’s Raider Network showcased its broadcasting prowess yet again on Saturday, December 14, at 3 p.m., when it produced the Ole Miss vs. Southern Miss men’s basketball game on SEC Network Plus. The production team included 18 crew members, featuring current students, eight grader, Knox Seward, and senior, Alexander Barrera, alumni Walker Lake ’23, Samuel Long ’23, and Matt Hinkle ’03, as well as staff members Josh Hinkle ’15, Eddie Wettach ’03, and Bryan Eubank. This marks the Raider Network’s fifth broadcast for an ESPN platform, further cementing its reputation as one of the premier high school broadcast programs in the nation.

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Little Dribblers Turn 40!

/ Lower School

JA’s second graders spend time in physical education class developing fine motor skills, sequencing skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. Known collectively as the Little Dribblers, these hard-working students demonstrate what they have learned to a packed Raider Dome during halftime of the varsity girls basketball games. The Little Dribblers program continues as one of JA’s much-anticipated basketball season traditions.  It is fondly remembered, with Little Dribblers keeping their T-shirts and second-grader-sized basketballs throughout the years. Some Little Dribblers even remember their routines years after their performances.

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Volleyball Program Nurtures Outstanding Scholar-Athletes

/ Athletics

Members of the varsity and JA volleyball teams completed another year developing athletically, and academically, completing the season ranked at the top of their sport. The JV team finished as MAIS JV State Champions with a 29-1-1 record. The varsity team finished with a 30-16 season, 9-3 in conference play, and as MAIS Division 1 State Runner-Ups.

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Cheer and Dance Squads Excel in the 2024 MAIS Spirit Competition

/ Athletics

Jackson Academy cheer and dance squads demonstrated their dedicated work and impressive skills at the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Spirit Competition. Held at the Mississippi Coliseum last week, the event invited teams to compete in multiple categories. JA returned with three state championships and a state runner up position, plus several All Stars.

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Alpha and Omega Buddies Reunite

/ Lower School

Jackson Academy has long believed that the Alpha & Omega pairings of seniors and kindergartners provide lasting benefits. Sometimes, buddies keep in touch throughout adulthood. Recently, two buddies—Robert Crisler ’16 and current student Caden Callison—reconnected through ninth-grade football.

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Lucy Lee Signs with Sewanee

/ Upper School

Family, teammates, fellow students, coaches, and faculty joined senior Lucy Lee this past week as she signed to continue her academic and athletic career at Sewanee – The University of the South. Her signing makes the eighth athletic signing for the senior class and more than 200 in JA history.

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Walker Moves Programs Forward as Athletic Director

/ News Releases

Jackson Academy is proud and excited to announce that Brandt Walker was recently named athletic director. Currently in his seventh year at JA, he has served in a variety of coaching and administrative capacities, including overseeing the daily operations of JA’s athletic department. Walker came to JA with 14 years of coaching experience, including a decade of coaching football and track. His talents will provide the necessary leadership to ensure the Athletic Department’s success.

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Head Coaching Positions Announced for 2024-2025

/ News Releases

Jackson Academy announced that Coach David Duggan has returned to Jackson Academy to serve as the school’s head football coach. A dedicated and veteran leader on and off the field, Coach Duggan first came to JA in the fall of 2022, armed with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an impressive college and professional football record.

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