The Jackson Heights basketball teams began the 2023 portion of their schedule on Tuesday night with a sweep over Valley Falls in NEKL play. 

Girls: Valley Falls 26, Jackson Heights 57

The first seven minutes of this game was well played by both sides. Valley Falls trailed 15-11 late in the first quarter but the Cobras would dominate the second quarter as they would go on a 15-2 run to close the half and lead the Dragons 30-13. 

Jackson Heights would slowly continue to build that lead in the second half as they led 50-22 going into the fourth quarter and they would eventually get to a running clock in the final few minutes. 

Kaylee Thompson led the way for 2A #2 Jackson Heights with 26 points and seven rebounds. She also made seven of her 10 free throw attempts. 

Kanyon Olberding added 13 points and nine rebounds while Makenna Rieschick added 13 points and four rebounds. 

The Cobras finished the game nine of 12 from the free throw line along with 11 turnovers and 30 rebounds. 

Valley Falls was led by Korie Kirkwood as she finished the game with 13 points and eight rebounds. Kirkwood scored the Dragons first nine points of the game but was slowed down the rest of the way. 

Lillian Darveaux added seven points as Valley Falls finished with 13 turnovers, 16 rebounds and finished the game five of eight at the free throw line. 

Jackson Heights improves to 5-0 overall and 4-0 in NEKL play. The win gives them their 50th straight NEKL win. Valley Falls drops to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in NEKL play with the loss. 

Boys: Valley Falls 39, Jackson Heights 45

The Cobras fought hard the entire game to earn their first win of the season. They used an 11-4 second quarter advantage to lead the Dragons 21-13 at halftime. 

The second half was much more competitive and filled with a little more production on both sides on offense. The Dragons trailed 32-25 going into the fourth quarter and had a chance late down three to potentially send the game into overtime but they were unable to convert. 

The Cobras were able to knock down a few extra free throws late to secure the win for their first of the season. 

Jackson Heights was led by Jude Williams with 13 points and nine rebounds while Devin Mock added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. 

Valley Falls was led by Hayden Kearney with 19 points while Zac Evans added 15 points and seven rebounds. 

Valley Falls finished with 15 turnovers while Jackson Heights finished with 13 turnovers. The Dragons were 13 of 21 from the free throw line while the Cobras connected on just eight of 18 attempts from the stripe. 

Both teams finished the game with 26 rebounds. 

Jackson Heights earns their first win and are now 1-4 overall and 1-3 in NEKL play while Valley Falls drops to 4-2 overall and 3-2 in NEKL. 

Up next for both, Jackson Heights will travel to McLouth on Friday while Valley Falls returns home to host Jefferson County North.