Hours after Maryland topped 21st-ranked Northwestern for their 16th home win of the season in 17 games, head coach Kevin Willard made the short trip up I-95 to check out the MIAA championship between St. Frances and Mount St. Joe’s. In the end, it was Maryland signee Jahnathan Lamothe and the Panthers who came out on top with a 78-75 overtime win as Lamothe’s 30 points led the way.
For Tyler Jackson, the 2025 four-star prospect and Panthers’ starting guard, it was the perfect way he envisioned to end his sophomore season. “I feel like I’ve played good. Could’ve played better but we came out with the win,” Jackson told IBG. “It feels good. Coming from the best and playing, it feels good to be on top.”
While the 6-foot, 180-pound guard enjoyed Sunday’s win, it also meant he wasn’t able to make it back to College Park for Maryland’s final home game, but the local four-star soaked in the Terps’ atmosphere the week prior when he and Lamothe visited for the Purdue game.
“That game was cool. Lot of people there, real love up there.” The two teammates also made their way onto the court to celebrate with the fans, accentuating the hometown buzz. “It makes me want to play in it and go there. We went into the locker room, got to be there then we talked with the coaches,” Jackson added. With offers from Kansas, UCF, Mississippi State, Illinois and Rutgers among others, the Terps are well-positioned early and have caught Jackson’s attention.
“I like Maryland. I like being close, it’s the hometown. I’ve got a good relationship with the coaches up there too. Coach Skinn, I talk to him a lot and Juju is there so it’s real comfortable and familiar.”
Head coach Kevin Willard has also been able to establish a strong relationship, but it’s the Xs and Os that Jackson has been most impressed with. “He tries to let the players play so I like him a lot.”
Jackson is rated a four-star prospect and a 95 overall by On3, sitting as the 44th best prospect in the country.
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