Jefferson High’s basketball teams opened the new year on the road Jan. 3 with conference games at in-county rival Whitehall, drawing strong fan support and rewarding it with a sweep.
The Lady Panthers relied on defense early as both teams struggled to score in the opening quarter. Brianna Layng swished a three-pointed for Jefferson’s first points, and baskets by Michaela “KK” Morris and Eveland Hansen kept the game tight. Parker Layng hit one of two free throws late in the quarter to give Jefferson an 8–7 lead.
Whitehall opened the second quarter with a 7–0 run to take a 15–8 lead, but the Panthers answered quickly. Brianna Layng and Morris sparked the comeback with a basket and a three, respectively, while Kodee Cummings added back-to-back scores. Brianna Layng hit another three and Hanna Stevens capped the rally as Jefferson went into halftime ahead 22–18.
