The security guards and administrators made it clear that no one would be storming the court during the City League boys basketball championship game at Brashear High School. After six years of chasing a title, Obama Academy guard Naron Jackson II and his teammates brought the party to their purple-clad people.
Jackson, who made a free throw with 3.5 seconds remaining to force overtime, ran over to the crowd to flex in front of the bleachers following a 64-58 win over rival Allderdice on Sunday afternoon.
“That was the best part,” Jackson said. “I know they doubted us. In this locker room, we knew what it was.”
Obama Academy (15-9) trailed by seven points, 41-34, at the end of the third quarter before rallying to win its second title and first since 2020. Allderdice (16-8) swept the Eagles in the regular season en route to a perfect 10-0 mark in City play.
Jackson, who finished with 13 points, made two key plays in a chaotic final minute of regulation. Elijah Rawlings punched the ball loose for the Eagles with around 22 seconds remaining. His driving layup went off the backboard and into the hands of Jackson, who made a layup to give Obama a 52-51 lead.
“I hope he doesn’t miss,” said Jackson about his thought process. “If he does, it’s mine.”
Obama coach Naron Jackson said he was proud his son had been listening to what he said. This was Jackson’s first championship as a head coach, but he won twice as a player with Schenley in 1996 and ‘97.
“When we get a steal, most of our guys like to watch and see what happens,” Jackson said. “He was sprinting back and anticipating a miss. He got it and kept us alive.”
Allderdice went back ahead, 53-52, after Keenu Brooks made a running jumper. Brooks also finished with 11 points for the Dragons.
Jackson was able to draw a foul on the ensuing possession.
Jackson made the second free throw attempt to force overtime. Allderdice coach Devin Crummie said his team didn’t plan to stall with the lead late.
He didn’t think Obama’s defense would allow that.
“In the fourth quarter, when you play Obama you have to be ready for the pressure,” Crummie said. “You aren’t going to be able to run the offense as smoothly as you would early in the game. You knew at the end it was going to be a grind.”
Obama had a hard time getting started in the championship game. The Dragons made five of their first eight 3-pointer attempts. Keith Taylor, who scored a game-high 22 points, poured in 14 in the first quarter.
Allderdice left some points on the table. The Dragons were 3 of 14 from the free-throw line in the first three quarters.
Eric James led Obama with 19 points and was named the MVP. James, who fouled out in the fourth quarter, scored 10 points in the final frame to help spark the comeback.
James, who transferred in from a school in Kentucky, said it was fun to be a part of a championship run.
“It got me a little bit nervous, but I’ve been in worse situations,” James said. “I was prepared.”
Naron Jackson II was happy to kick the door down after falling short to Allderdice in years past. Despite losses in the regular season, Jackson II felt this was the Eagles’ time.
“We knew what it was this year,” Jackson said. “We felt we were the No. 1 team all season. It was expected of us.”