NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — LSU softball signee Jazmine Jackson was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Texas Girls Coaches Association East/West All-Star Softball game earlier this month at Birdville High School.
As a member of the Class 4A-5A East squad from Bellaire High School in Houston, Jackson was one of 28 players on the 4A-5A all-star teams that included 23 collegiate signees. The East team was led by head coach Laneigh Clark from Pearland High School and assistant coach Mike Ledsome from Plano West High School.
For the game, Jackson went 3-for-4 while playing the entire contest in center field. With the game tied at one all at the end of seven innings, the international tie-breaker rule was put into effect.
With a runner on second to start the top of the eighth for the East squad, Jackson singled to send the runner to third. After Jackson stole second, a single scored the runner from third as Jackson advanced to third. Jackson then scored on a passed ball for what proved to be the game-winning run as the East went on to win, 3-2.
Jackson concluded her senior season at Bellaire HS with a .500 batting average, including 32 runs scored and 25 stolen bases while playing at shortstop. She was named the District 21-5A Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row while also being named an All-Greater Houston first-team selection for the second consecutive year.
As a member of the Impact Gold travel ball team, Jackson helped her team to a second place finish at the Colorado Fireworks Tournament and a fifth place finish at the Champions Golf Cup in Los Angeles this summer. Her team will participate in the 2006 ASA Gold National Championships in August. The speedster is expected to play in the outfield for the Tigers when she joins the team this fall.