In a surprising turn, the Jacksonville girls’ basketball team, initially dominant, found themselves trailing in a game. Coach Kerry Pearce rallied his Cardinals during a pivotal moment and spurred a second-quarter turnaround, leading to a remarkable 60-17 win.
Pearce’s coaching philosophy centers on maintaining high standards regardless of the score, emphasizing an aggressive, man-to-man style and fast-paced gameplay. Defense remains a cornerstone for the team’s success, focusing on pressurizing ball handlers and disrupting opponent plays.
Jacksonville girls’ recent record stands at 5-2, marked by losses to formidable opponents like 4-A Hoggard and 4-A Ashley. Despite these setbacks, Pearce’s leadership in his debut season has shown promise, succeeding Monique Gidrey, who coached for 11 seasons.
Having previously coached in Knoxville, Pearce transitioned smoothly into his role at Jacksonville, aided by his familiarity with the school environment and his dedicated coaching staff, all actively involved in the students’ daily lives.
Pre-season preparations, including summer activities and team expectations, contributed to the Cardinals’ readiness for the season. Pearce’s aim remains to peak performance during the crucial months of February and March, emphasizing the need to minimize turnovers while praising the team’s collective effort and hard work.
Contributions from players like Kelize Valez-Galan, Ama Baldwin, Izabella Hernandez, and Emma Radcliffe have been instrumental in Jacksonville’s strong start. While satisfied, Pearce acknowledges the team’s continuous improvement toward becoming a dominant force in the Big Carolina Conference.
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