JACKSON-REED DEFEATS WEST POTOMAC IN MLK CLASSIC

1/17/26 — In a hard-fought, well-played contest, the bigger and more physical Jackson-Reed Tigers edged the gritty West Potomac Wolverines, 57–53, at the St. James 2026 MLK Classic. Jackson-Reed’s Lanaia Martin earned Most Valuable Player honors.

West Potomac came out strong as Abigail Beddis scored the Wolverines’ first eight points. Jackson-Reed answered behind Martin, who scored seven points in the opening quarter to give the Tigers a 16–12 lead after one period.

The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter, with each scoring 11 points, and Jackson-Reed took a four-point advantage into halftime.

Beddis opened the second half with a three-pointer, igniting an 8–0 West Potomac run that put the Wolverines ahead, 31–27. Jackson-Reed struggled offensively and did not score a field goal until the 4:15 mark of the third quarter. West Potomac carried a 41–37 lead into the final period.

Jackson-Reed regained momentum in the fourth quarter as Indira Best and Aminyah Muhammad each scored seven points in the period. West Potomac stayed close behind two clutch three-pointers from Dawn Houston.

With Jackson-Reed holding a two-point lead and 35 seconds remaining, Martin sealed the win with a steal in the backcourt and a driving layup.

Martin finished with 15 points, while Muhammad and Best added 13 and 12 points, respectively. West Potomac was led by Skylar Strother with 15 points, Houston with 14, and Beddis with 11.