JACKSONVILLE — Jacob Owens-Bush scored 20 points to help John Tyler keep its playoff hopes alive with a 55-46 win over Jacksonville on Friday.

The Lions (17-11, 5-5 District 16-5A) still trail fourth-place Lufkin (5-4) by a half game with two games remaining. Lufkin has three left games to play, including the season-finale at the Lions Den.

“We’re on life support right now,” JT coach Cedeno Clark said. “We’re fighting for our lives and the kids responded to that.”

The Lions used a 16-7 second quarter to grab a 10-point lead at halftime that they maintained for most of the second half to secure the win.

John Tyler will host Lindale on Tuesday for Alumni Night. The Eagles have beaten the Lions two straight times.

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District 16-5A Boys

John Tyler 55, Jacksonville 46

John Tyler 15 16 10 14 — 55

Jacksonville 14 7 11 14 — 46

JOHN TYLER — Martese Christian, 4; Bryson Smith, 3; Tavian Teal, 2; Patrick Williams, 1; Rodney Bendy, 7; Carlin Gray, 2; Jacob Owens-Bush, 20; Ja’Khari Lewis, 10; J’Michael Jasper, 6.

JACKSONVILLE — S. Ragsdale, 11; T. Loller, 5; K. Clayburn, 8; D. Hamilton, 9; J. Robinson, 7; G. Villaneal, 4; J. Blake, 2.

THREE POINT GOALS — JA: Ragsdale, Loller, Clayburn, Hamilton. JT: Lewis.

RECORDS — Jacksonville 10-15 (1-8); John Tyler 17-11 (5-5).

NEXT UP — Lindale at John Tyler, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; Jacksonville at Lufkin, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

 

Lady Lions move closer to title

JACKSONVILLE — John Tyler moved to within a game of the District 16-5A title with a 42-26 victory over Jacksonville on Friday.

Amia Wickware scored 13 and Destini Whitehead added nine for the Lady Lions (28-4, 10-1), who can grab their second straight league title with a win against Lindale on Tuesday on Senior Night.

“We’re looking forward to playing at home Tuesday and a chance to win a district championship,” JT coach Mike Smith said. “We’ve just got to keep getting better and get ready for the playoffs.”

John Tyler held Jacksonville to nine first-half points

Inchantra Kendrick led the Maidens (6-21, 1-10) with nine points.

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District 16-5A Girls

No. 17 John Tyler 42, Jacksonville 26

John Tyler 11 10 9 12 — 42

Jacksonville 7 2 7 10 — 26

JACKSONVILLE —Boykin, 2; Freeman, 2; Green, 2; Kendrick, 9; McCullough, 8; Christopher, 3.

JOHN TYLER — Amia Wickware, 13; Kaleon Grant, ; Alyssa Mayfield, 5; Destini Whitehead, 9; Kaleigh Hackett, 1; Tameal Jones, 6; Ashtyn Beal, 4; Shakendra Tilley, ; Daz Johnson, 4; Shakala Johnson, .

THREE POINT GOALS — JT: Wickware, Whitehead.

RECORDS — Jacksonville 6-21 (1-10); John Tyler 28-4 (10-1).

NEXT UP — Lindale at John Tyler, 6 p.m. Tuesday; Jacksonville at Lufkin, 6 p.m. Tuesday.

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District 16-5A Junior Varsity Boys

John Tyler 49, Jacksonville 45

John Tyler    12    15    5    17      —     49

Jacksonville    15    7    13    9      —     45

JOHN TYLER — Freeman, 9; Berry, 2; Keys, 2; Miller, 5; Stanford, 2; Lyles, 18; Tate, 7; Moore, 4.

JACKSONVILLE — Robinson, 11; John-son, 5; High, 11; Wagnor, 4; Woods, 6; McGowan, 7.

THREE POINT GOALS — JT: Freeman, Lyles (2). JA: Robinson, High, Woods (2).

RECORDS — John Tyler 16-7 (8-1).

NEXT UP — Lindale at John Tyler, 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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District 16-5A Freshmen Boys

John Tyler 56, Jacksonville 44

John Tyler    21    14    12    9      —     56

Jacksonville    12    10    9    13      —     44

TEAM 1 — Marshall, 10; Williams, 16; Jenkins, 5; Jessie, 4; Givens, 2; Goodson, 6; Allison, 6; Thompson, 6.

TEAM 2 — Bush, 6; Shoemaker, 4; McDowell, 7; Johnson, 3; Spencer, 6; Mayfield, 4; Robinson, 11; Richards, 3.

THREE POINT GOALS — JT: Marshall, Williams (2), Thompson. J: Robinson.

RECORDS — John Tyler 21-1 (10-0).

NEXT UP — Lindale at John Tyler, 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.