"Small Frame, Big Game: Fearless Firestarter with a Heart for Hoops"

Aerianna Jackson

@AeriJackson2

5’1”, 100lbs, Class of 2029

Washington Middle School, MD

Don’t let the size fool you, Aerianna is a sparkplug with the heart of a giant and the game to match. She’s quick, scrappy, and fiercely competitive, using high-level court IQ and relentless energy to outwork and outsmart every opponent. Her ability to change pace in an instant, apply pressure defensively, and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates makes her one of the toughest young guards to match up against. What she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in heart, grit, and production.

This past season, Aerianna averaged 14.2 points, 4.1 steals, 2.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game, with a career-high 28-point performance. Over her 7th and 8th grade years, she tallied 465 total points, though her actual middle school scoring mark is likely over 500 due to a lost 6th-grade scorebook. Her goal now is bold and clear: rack up over 1,500 points across her high school career. The biggest improvement in her game has been her mental toughness and ability to stay composed in pressure situations, especially while handling the ball late in games. A defining moment this season came when she knocked down three separate buzzer-beaters in the same game, sending it to double overtime and eventually hitting the game-winner against a local rival.

This offseason, Aerianna is focused on strength training and dialing in her nutrition to better fuel her body and withstand the contact that comes with attacking bigger opponents. She’ll be continuing with WSBG United under Coach Scott (@shanescott400), a program she loves for its family-first atmosphere and competitive edge. Her goals this season are centered on growth, developing her game, soaking up every experience, and helping lead her team to nationals, especially with the tournament at Spooky Nook in Mannheim, PA, circled on her calendar.

What fires her up most is defying expectations. She thrives on the looks from opponents and spectators who assume her size is a weakness, then proves them wrong with skill, speed, and leadership. She’s a student of the game who takes every win and loss as a learning opportunity. As a point guard, she understands the importance of body language and resilience, knowing that how she responds can uplift or unravel a team. Her best coaching advice she has received is. “Next play.” Coach Scott’s words serve as a constant reminder to stay present, push forward, and lead with confidence.

Aerianna will be entering high school next season with a scholarship offer from a local private Catholic school already in hand. She plans to break records, raise the standard for girls' basketball in her area, and become a trailblazer for her town’s next generation of hoopers. With intense focus and passion, she’s already laying the foundation to reach every goal she’s set.

I assess that Aerianna brings leadership, grit, and high-level skills to every possession. Her quickness, toughness, and vision make her a game-changer at the point guard spot, especially for a young athlete who already plays with such maturity and intensity.

As she continues to grow stronger and gain experience, expect Aerianna to be a force for her high school program right out of the gate. With her relentless work ethic and fearless approach, the game will keep expanding for her, and so will her impact. We could well be witnessing the spark of the next prodigy who will be a shining star. Stay tuned.