Jackson Memorial High School Basketball Season Preview

Season Summary

The 2024-25 basketball season for Jackson Memorial High School was a challenging one, marked by injuries and eligibility setbacks. Despite the hurdles, Head Coach Randy Holmes was proud of how his team responded, showing grit, perseverance, and a relentless work ethic.

Though the Jaguars never had their intended starting five on the court together all season, the experience gained by younger players laid a strong foundation for the future.

Key Contributors

Several players stood out for their contributions this season:

George Boley – The team’s leading scorer, Boley carried a significant offensive load.

Jimmy Pappalardo – Delivered consistent three-point shooting to stretch the floor.

Randy Holmes Jr. – A versatile asset, he excelled as a defensive stopper and filled numerous roles as needed.

Season Challenges and Highlights

Coach Holmes candidly reflected that the season “didn't go as planned,” primarily due to injuries and eligibility issues. The team’s top scorer had to sit for 30 days because of a transfer rule, which significantly impacted the team's rhythm and performance.

However, the response from the squad was admirable. “They put their heads down, locked in, and continued to work every day,” said Holmes.

Emerging Talent

Several underclassmen grew into bigger roles under pressure:

Yasser Johnson

Paul Bradshaw

Mi'Aire Anderson

All three were called upon to fill voids left by injuries and proved they were up to the task.

Senior Leadership

Though the senior class may not have had the ending they envisioned, their work ethic stood out. Coach Holmes noted they were “a pleasure to coach” and “showed up every day and worked hard,” providing steady leadership throughout a turbulent season.

Bright Future Ahead

There is plenty to be excited about for next year. Jackson Memorial returns seven juniors and 85% of its scoring, putting the program in a strong position to rebound in 2025.

Offseason Goals

The primary offseason focus will be on building team chemistry and increasing physical strength, both critical to making a deep run next year.

Where to Find Stats

Season statistics for the Jaguars can be found on NJ.com.