Panthers open hoops season with split at East Helena

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.