February 1, 2006                                                                       

Jackson Athlete of Week

Named by Spartanburg Tip-Off Club

SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  Jarvis Jackson, a sophomore guard with the Spartanburg Methodist College Men’s Basketball Team, was named area College Basketball Player of the Week by the Spartanburg Tip-Off Club last week.

The 5-foot-11 Jackson, who played for Glen Forest High School in Columbia, scored a game high 32 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals in a 96-90 win against Brunswick Community College. He then scored 29 points with six rebounds and three assists during the Pioneers’ 80-69 defeat of Clinton Junior College Jan. 25. Jackson’s scoring average was 21 points, five assists and four rebounds, contributing to a 6-1 record in NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Region 10 and a 14-7 overall record.

SMC Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Rob Burke, said that Jackson is realizing the potential he originally expected when he was recruited. A turning point, Burke said, came early in January.

“I told him on January 7 that if he didn’t start shooting the ball I was going to move in a different  direction with a  two-point guard,” said Burke. Since then, Jackson has “totally turned loose” and has emerged as a leader, according to Burke.

“He’s taking advantage of what the defense has given him and is leading our club as a combination guard,” said Burke, adding that he is pleased about the outside recognition he is now receiving.

The Pioneers are currently tied for first place in Region 10.