JEFFERSON’S boys went a decade without losing to Commerce on the hardwood but have suddenly split the last four meetings with its longtime rivals. And that’s helped turn up the heat in this grudge match.
“This is our arch rival,” Jefferson coach Bolling DuBose said. “It’s always been a big game for us.”
Jefferson and Commerce play again Friday night at Jefferson. Varsity games start at 7 p.m.
In 2009-2010, the Commerce boys earned their first win over Jefferson since 2000 with a 63-56 win. Jefferson then whipped the Tigers 87-55 in the rematch later that year.
Last year, Jefferson held off Commerce to win 74-69. The Tigers returned the favor in the second meeting, winning handily 67-46.
The Jefferson boys go into Friday’s game looking to atone for that 21-point loss last year.
“I think that will be motivation for those guys who were on that team,” DuBose said.
The Commerce boys are off to a 2-1 start this season. The Tigers have won at least 20 games the last two seasons and reached the state tournaments the last three years.
DuBose pointed to the job that Commerce coach Chad Bridges has done.
“Chad (Bridges) has done a really good job of getting them consistently playing well,” DuBose said.
So DuBose expects another battle with the Tigers this Friday in the latest installment of this series “It’s going to be a tough ball game for us,” he said.
DuBose does like the fact that his team is playing at home.
“We need to encourage all of our folks to be here,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Jefferson girls look to continue their dominance over Commerce. The Lady Dragons, who swept the Lady Tigers last year, haven’t lost to their rivals in years.
“Our kids enjoy the rivalry,” coach Jason Gibson said. “Jackson County is one of those crazy situations where you have the four high schools here within the county, and it’s interesting every time you end up playing one of those schools.”
Jefferson, who just snapped a three-game losing streak, will be plenty motivated for Friday night, Gibson said.
“Our kids, the Commerce game is always a big game for them,” he said. “They get up for that.”
Gibson also pointed to the potential for a lively home atmosphere.
“It’s a home game on a Friday night, and I feel like we’ll have a pretty good crowd,” Gibson said. “It’s always fun to play that game and I think our kids will be looking forward to it.”
