Jefferson High’s 2025-26 basketball season kicked off Friday night in East Helena, where the Panthers opened the year with a girls–boys doubleheader against the Vigilantes that offered an early look at both squads.
The JHS’ girls earned a tough, confidence-building win in the opener, while the boys fell in the nightcap. The girls tipped off first, and the Lady Panthers set the tone early with pressure and smart shot selection.
They attacked East Helena’s zone with confident perimeter looks and used a steady defensive effort to build separation. Jefferson jumped ahead 13-7 in the opening quarter, fueled by good three-point looks and two early steals from junior Brianna Layng, which erased easy transition chances for the Vigilantes. In the second quarter, JHS attacked the glass and turned offensive rebounds into second-chance points — a key factor in retaining a 19-14 lead at halftime.
East Helena mounted a big push in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead as Jefferson hit a cold stretch and committed several turnovers. But the Panthers steadied themselves, rebuilt their advantage, and carried a 29-22 lead into the fourth, which turned into a grind.
Both teams struggled to score in the early minutes as defenses tightened. The Vigilantes struck first, breaking the seal at the 5:46 mark. But Jefferson was able to make a final run and seal the victory when Hannah Stevens grabbed a defensive rebound, pushed the floor, absorbed contact, and finished an and-one that dashed any hope of a comeback and quieted a rowdy home crowd.
Despite the absence of senior center Ryian Eveland, the Lady Panthers won a tight one, 37-29. Eveland did not suit up after missing practices over the Thanksgiving break. Her absence put more pressure on the Panthers’ guards to create offense, and the group answered the call.
Josie Oxarart led Jefferson with 14 points, while Kodee Cummings added 7, and Michaela Morris and Parker Layng each chipped in 6. Jefferson’s ability to crash the boards, take smart shots when available, and stay composed without Eveland showed depth and poise that should carry them deep into the upcoming season.
The boys game carried a different storyline — the debut of Brian Bullock, the 2010 JHS graduate (and current City Administrator for Boulder) now leading his alma mater as head coach.
“It was awesome,” Bullock said after his first game at the helm. “This is a great group of young men. It was good to get our first game underway. I’m glad to be back home getting to work with the guys. We are fortunate to have some great assistant coaches, and I think everyone is excited about the potential of this team.”
The Panthers ran into a prepared and experienced East Helena squad from the opening tip. The Vigilantes — returning a veteran core and coming off last season’s first-ever state tournament appearance — attacked early and efficiently, building a 14-0 lead in the opening minutes as Jefferson battled foul trouble and rushed possessions.
Jefferson’s drought ended when Johnny Quigley hit a free throw with 3:40 left in the first quarter followed shortly after by a series of floaters from junior Tyzer Zody for Jefferson’s only field goals of the quarter. East Helena closed the period ahead 24-7.
The second quarter saw Jefferson searching for offensive rhythm. East Helena’s pressure and inside-out scoring made life difficult for the Panthers, while Jefferson missed several clean looks and turned the ball over at critical moments. By halftime, the Panthers trailed 38-19.
Jefferson showed encouraging life in the third. Zody, Tyler Frydenlund, and Caleb Morris pushed the ball and attacked the rim, and Jefferson knocked down its first two three-pointers of the game to cut into the margin. The Panthers managed to trim the deficit, but East Helena’s offense answered each run and the Vigilantes held a 53-37 lead going into the fourth.
In the final period, Jefferson tried to force a run from deep, but the attempts didn’t connect and turnovers hindered any consistent rally. East Helena closed the game convincingly, 72-47.
Tyler Frydenlund led the Panthers with 13 points, while Cobe Burnett added 9 and Tyzer Zody finished with 8. Johnny Quigley contributed 3 points and grabbed five offensive rebounds, giving Jefferson extra possessions throughout the night.
“I liked our attitudes,” Bullock said. “The guys are playing for each other.”
But he did not sugarcoat his squad’s flaws. “I would really like to see improvement in our decision making,” he added. “Eighteen turnovers is too many to win a game against a talented team like East Helena. They are well coached and they outplayed us.”
Asked what he told the team after the game, Bullock kept it short and forward-looking.
“I didn’t say much,” he said. “It’s a long season. I expect us to continue to develop throughout the year. The guys have really bought into what we’re preaching, and I can’t wait to get back to work.”
Opening nights don’t decide seasons, but they do reveal a lot. Jefferson’s girls left with momentum and a clearer sense of their depth; the boys left with film and lessons — turnovers, foul trouble and shot selection — to correct.
Both teams showed glimpses of what they can become as the season progresses. For now, Jefferson returns home with a split and a roadmap: build on the girls’ composure, clean up the boys’ ball security, and get back to practice.
It’s early, but Friday gave both teams something they can work from — and that’s what matters at the start of a long roundball season.
