Defending Champ Jackson Advances to 4A State Finals with Thrilling Win Over Brooks

Joseph Taylor’s Late Heroics Secure Aggies’ Spot in Championship Game

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Jackson Aggies punched their ticket to the Class 4A State Basketball Championship with a thrilling 37-34 victory over the Brooks Lions in Tuesday night’s semifinal matchup at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. 

Junior guard Joseph Taylor led the Aggies with 18 points, including a crucial layup and a free throw in the final seconds to seal the win. The defending 4A state champions relied on their signature defensive grit to overcome a relentless Brooks squad. 

“We knew this game was going to come down to our defense, and it did,” said Jackson head coach Anthony Hayes. “This team’s identity is built on defensive intensity, and they rose to the challenge when it mattered most.”

Clutch Play Highlights Taylor’s Performance 

Taylor, who sank three 3-pointers in the game, scored his decisive layup after a critical steal with just 17 seconds left on the clock, putting the Aggies ahead 36-34. Moments later, he intercepted another Brooks pass and drained a free throw to secure the three-point win as the final buzzer approached. 

“We got the stop, I grabbed the ball, and I didn’t look back,” Taylor said of his game-changing breakaway score. 

Coach Hayes credited a timeout late in the game for rallying his squad, urging his players to refocus on the defensive effort that had defined their season. “I asked them, ‘What is our identity?’ They answered with their play on the court.” 

A Game Defined by Defense 

Defense took center stage throughout the matchup, with both teams displaying tenacity on that side of the ball. Jackson got off to a strong start, taking a narrow 9-6 lead early. The Aggies maintained control for the majority of the game, holding the lead for 28 minutes and 58 seconds. Brooks, meanwhile, only led for 32 seconds in the semifinal showdown, and the teams were tied for the remaining two minutes and 30 seconds. 

Despite Jackson’s control, head coach Rusty Murks Lions (26-10) refused to back down. Brooks forced 10 steals and won the rebounding battle 23-19. They erased a nine-point deficit late in the game to give themselves a shot at victory. 

Senior R.J. Gourley starred for Brooks with 15 points, six rebounds, six steals, and two assists, while teammate Clark Warren contributed 10 points. 

“Our players gave it everything they had,” said Coach Murks. “They’ve worked hard all year, and we’ve got a lot to be proud of.” 

For Jackson, Keeyun Chapman added 11 points to complement Taylor’s standout performance, and Landon Duckworth tallied three assists.

Aggies Look Ahead to Plainview In Title Matchup 

With the win, Jackson will face the Plainview Bears in Friday’s 4A Championship Game, scheduled for 5:45 p.m. The Aggies are now one step away from securing back-to-back state titles. 

The 105th AHSAA State Basketball Championships continue Wednesday, in the Magic City,  with Class 6A and 5A semifinals, followed by 7A matchups on Thursday. Championship games begin Thursday afternoon with Classes 1A through 4A  and conclude Saturday, March 1, with finals in Classes 5A, 6A, and 7A.

FEATURED IMAGE: Jackson guard Joseph Taylor (5) and Brooks’ R.J. Gourley (1) squared off all night in the Class 4A state semifinals at Legacy Arena.  (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)