Although Piper came up short against Basehor-Linwood, Jackson looked every bit like someone preparing for another postseason run. With his experience and multiple Final Four appearances, this season doesn’t feel like it’ll be any different.

He poured in 30 points against the Bobcats and scored efficiently from all three levels. Time and time again, he beat defenders off the dribble, getting downhill with purpose. He didn’t just rely on finesse, either — he initiated contact, absorbed bumps, and still finished through it, showing great body control and touch in the air. When defenders tried to recover, he used his handle to create separation, putting them in tough spots and making his pull-up tough to contest.

His comfort in the mid-range stood out as well. He used subtle bumps to create space and stayed composed, never rushing. In transition, he played under control, consistently getting to two feet and making strong, balanced finishes.

Defensively, he got his hands on a few balls, forced turnovers, and made it clear he’s still committed to impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

Jackson’s name seems to be coming up almost weekly at this point in the season, and his latest performance only added to that momentum. He led Piper to a big win over Seaman, once again proving how impactful he can be when the game is in his hands.

In the victory, Jackson set the tone early, orchestrating the offense and eventually taking the game over. Dynamic as ever with the ball, he found the right balance between scoring and facilitating. He shot the ball confidently from the mid-range and beyond the arc, while also changing speeds effectively to get downhill and attack the paint.

DJ mixed in several highlight-level passes as well, showcasing his court vision and ability to manipulate defenders to create opportunities for teammates. His feel for the game continues to stand out, and there’s little doubt we’ll keep hearing his name as he and his Piper squad make their final push toward the postseason.

Jackson has recently added an offer from Kansas City to go along with the one he received from Newman just after Christmas. He’s a player who has consistently performed well throughout his high school career, steadily trending in the right direction. This season, he’s taken full control at Piper, running the show with a high usage rate and embracing the responsibility that comes with being the team’s primary playmaker.

On the court, Jackson makes aggressive plays off the dribble and has developed into a much more polished shooter, now showing a consistent, repeatable release he can rely on regularly. With a strong understanding of how to use ball screens effectively, he fits the mold of a prototypical lead guard. Add in his willingness to compete on defense, and he checks all the boxes as a complete, competitive floor leader.