The PNJ Team of the Year competition has narrowed its field to two remarkable squads from Jay High School, each representing a different sport but sharing a common drive for excellence.
Girls Basketball: A Historic Run
The girls basketball team captured the imagination of the community by reaching the state championship game for the first time since 1996, finishing as runners‑up after a thrilling semifinal victory over Hilliard. Their journey to the Final Four marked the program’s deepest playoff run in nearly three decades, underscoring a resurgence that has energized fans and players alike.
Boys Weightlifting: Power and Precision
The boys weightlifting team matched that excitement with a dominant performance at the regional level, sweeping both regional titles and securing third place overall at the 1A state championship. Junior Chase Dooley emerged as a standout, sweeping the Unlimited state titles and earning recognition as one of the PNJ’s boys weightlifters of the year.
With voting open until 11 a.m. CT on July 4, the community has a narrow window to voice their support. The outcome will not only crown a team of the year but also highlight the growing prominence of both weightlifting and basketball within the school’s athletic landscape.
As the final vote approaches, the achievements of these teams already serve as a benchmark for future seasons, inspiring younger athletes and reinforcing the school’s reputation for competitive spirit across disciplines.