Championship Habits: Why Jackson Is Built for Another Run

Jackson High School   Class 4A Area 2     Head Coach: Anthony Hayes   Record Entering Into 2nd Half of Season: 8-1 (According to maxpreps.com)   Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='2832735' first='Joseph' last='Taylor'] (6'3/CG/'26/Jackson)   IG: strife.jo   X: @JosephT2026   Joseph is the brain and backbone of the Aggies. His basketball IQ is high, and his leadership shows in how he carries himself and how his teammates respond to him. He leads by example, never forcing the issue, always making the right read, and consistently impacting winning. Offensively, Joseph is a true three-level scorer. He can knock down perimeter shots, create in the midrange, and finish through contact at the rim. More importantly, he understands when to assert himself as a scorer and when to facilitate. His composure, decision-making, and versatility make him a matchup problem and a steadying presence in high-pressure moments.   [player_tooltip player_id='3071127' first='Donnivan' last='Bozeman'] (6'6/C/'26/Jackson)   IG: diesel.1k   X: @DonnivanBozeman   Donnivan is the anchor of Jackson's defense and the tone-setter in the paint. He is a big-time rim protector, he brings physicality and toughness every possession, he alters shots, and making opponents think twice about attacking the basket. He rebounds the ball at a high level on both ends, securing possessions and creating second-chance opportunities. His presence allows Jackson's perimeter defenders to apply pressure with confidence, knowing they have a reliable last line of defense behind them. His impact may not always dominate the stat sheet, but his value to the Aggies' defensive identity is undeniable.   Roderick Hamilton, Jr. (6'2/SG/'26/Jackson)   IG: official.rod23   Roderick is Jackson's closer, the guard you want with the ball when the game tightens. He is a lethal three-point shooter, he stretches defenses and punishes late rotations. His shooting gravity opens the floor for everyone else. On the defensive end, he is just as impactful. He is a strong on-ball defender who embraces tough matchups and competes with physicality. Late in games, he is calm and reliable at the free-throw line, making him a trusted option in winning time. His two-way toughness and shot-making ability separate him from the pack.   Key Role Players to Watch:   Isaiah Gladney and [player_tooltip player_id='3071127' first='Donnivan' last='Bozeman'] (above).   Isaiah brings competitive fire and unselfishness to the floor. He consistently puts the team first, embraces his role, and plays with an edge that lifts the Aggies' energy. His eadership will be critical as the season intensifies.   Why the Aggies Are Built to Repeat?   The first half of the season made one thing clear: Jackson is fully committed to a defensive identity. The Aggies play disciplined basketball, compete at a high level, and push the tempo without sacrificing control. They defend with purpose, trust one another, and consistently win the effort plays.   “We have to buy into a defensive identity. We must trust each other and compete at a high level each time we step onto the court.”   That mindset starts with Coach Hayes and flows through the roster. Jackson's ability to guard, communicate, and stay connected defensively gives them a sustainable formula for success, especially in postseason play, where discipline and toughness matter most.   #TerryTalks…My Thoughts On Jackson Aggies:   The Jackson Aggies have positioned themselves as one of the most complete and disciplined teams in the state heading into the second half of the season. With a veteran core, a clear defensive identity, and leadership that shows up every night, Jackson isn't just winning games, they are setting the tone. This is a group built on trust, toughness, and accountability, and their 8–1 start reflects a program fully bought into its standard.

Jackson High School