University of North Texas Athletics
Photo by: Rick Yeatts Photography
Boyd, Jackson Show Progress from the Point
2/21/2021 11:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
DENTON – Despite North Texas women's basketball missing six contests this season due to COVID protocols and weather conditions, the Mean Green have already tied for the most Conference USA victories in program history and have nearly equaled their win total from a season ago with four games yet to be played.
The drastic turnaround can largely be attributed to the development of two sophomore point guards, N'Yah Boyd and Jazion Jackson. The pair has gained an abundance of experience and improvement since their freshmen year.
"I believe the main contributors to their increased production are experience, time spent improving their craft and better chemistry," head coach Jalie Mitchell said. "I am not surprised at all by the play we've seen this season. That's what happens when you put the work in."
Boyd leads the team in minutes with almost 34 played each game. The Mesquite native's scoring average has increased from 9.4 in 2019-20 to 12.9 this season, and she is dishing out one more assist per game. Her confidence at the free throw line has improved with her percentage climbing from 57-percent a year ago to 68 now. While splitting time with Jackson at the forefront directing the squad on the floor, the Mean Green offense is scoring an average of seven more points per game.
"I'm being a much better vocal leader than last year and being a player that my coaches and teammates need me to be," Boyd said.
Jackson has drastically improved her shooting accuracy both from the 3-point arc and the line. From deep, the Dallas Skyline graduate has quadrupled her percentage and is hitting at a 15-percent higher clip on free throws. Unlike last season, her assists are outweighing her turnovers and both her scoring and rebounding averages have seen a boost.
"I've been able to be more confident and flexible with my game," Jackson said. "I've also been staying mentally ready for anything."
"We had some tough times last season, but they taught us so much," Mitchell said. "We understand better how to control the tempo of games. We know what play needs to be made in certain situations. We are smarter defensively and quicker to adjust. We're more resilient."
With four regular season games and the Conference USA tournament remaining, the Mean Green are hoping to continue to grow and improve behind the direction of Boyd and Jackson.
"We have all developed a good chemistry, and we always buy in to the game plan that our coaches give us. It's the trust between us and believing in each other to get it done," Boyd said.
Jackson added, "We've been working hard. Every game has been a battle, and we fight. Confidence in each other and what we can do has gotten us off to a good start."
"This is a very passionate group, invested in leaving their mark," Mitchell said. "If not for the opportunity to grow through mistakes last season, I don't think we would be here now. Experience is the best teacher. It's priceless!"
The drastic turnaround can largely be attributed to the development of two sophomore point guards, N'Yah Boyd and Jazion Jackson. The pair has gained an abundance of experience and improvement since their freshmen year.
"I believe the main contributors to their increased production are experience, time spent improving their craft and better chemistry," head coach Jalie Mitchell said. "I am not surprised at all by the play we've seen this season. That's what happens when you put the work in."
Boyd leads the team in minutes with almost 34 played each game. The Mesquite native's scoring average has increased from 9.4 in 2019-20 to 12.9 this season, and she is dishing out one more assist per game. Her confidence at the free throw line has improved with her percentage climbing from 57-percent a year ago to 68 now. While splitting time with Jackson at the forefront directing the squad on the floor, the Mean Green offense is scoring an average of seven more points per game.
"I'm being a much better vocal leader than last year and being a player that my coaches and teammates need me to be," Boyd said.
Jackson has drastically improved her shooting accuracy both from the 3-point arc and the line. From deep, the Dallas Skyline graduate has quadrupled her percentage and is hitting at a 15-percent higher clip on free throws. Unlike last season, her assists are outweighing her turnovers and both her scoring and rebounding averages have seen a boost.
"I've been able to be more confident and flexible with my game," Jackson said. "I've also been staying mentally ready for anything."
"We had some tough times last season, but they taught us so much," Mitchell said. "We understand better how to control the tempo of games. We know what play needs to be made in certain situations. We are smarter defensively and quicker to adjust. We're more resilient."
With four regular season games and the Conference USA tournament remaining, the Mean Green are hoping to continue to grow and improve behind the direction of Boyd and Jackson.
"We have all developed a good chemistry, and we always buy in to the game plan that our coaches give us. It's the trust between us and believing in each other to get it done," Boyd said.
Jackson added, "We've been working hard. Every game has been a battle, and we fight. Confidence in each other and what we can do has gotten us off to a good start."
"This is a very passionate group, invested in leaving their mark," Mitchell said. "If not for the opportunity to grow through mistakes last season, I don't think we would be here now. Experience is the best teacher. It's priceless!"
Players Mentioned
Point Guard
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Point Guard
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