Benson's Jayla Lackey Dominates Tournament Debut

Sophomore post records 25 points and 20 rebounds, nearly breaking the 6A tournament record.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:19am

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Benson High School's 6-foot-2 sophomore post Jayla Lackey had a standout performance in her 6A state tournament debut, recording 25 points and 20 rebounds - the third-most in 6A tournament history. Lackey's dominant effort helped lift Benson to a 70-52 victory over Oregon City in the quarterfinals.

Why it matters

Lackey's tournament debut drew comparisons to another standout sophomore, South Medford's Mayenabasi Akpan, who went on to break the tournament rebounding record in 2024. Benson coach Precious Alex hopes Lackey can follow a similar trajectory and lead the Astros to a state championship this weekend.

The details

Lackey, a top prospect in the class of 2028, was challenged by assistant coach Anthony Lackey to get 15 rebounds before the game. She exceeded that, pulling down 20 boards, including 15 on the offensive glass. Lackey scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the pivotal third quarter as Benson pulled away.

  • Lackey's 20-rebound performance was the third-most in 6A tournament history.
  • Lackey will face another tough test in the semifinals against West Linn on Friday night.

The players

Jayla Lackey

A 6-foot-2 sophomore post for Benson High School, considered one of the top prospects in the class of 2028.

Precious Alex

The head coach of the Benson Astros girls basketball team.

Anthony Lackey

The assistant coach of the Benson Astros and Jayla Lackey's father.

Mayenabasi Akpan

A former standout sophomore who debuted at the 6A tournament in 2024 and went on to break the tournament rebounding record that year.

Love Forde

A junior post player for West Linn High School, who was held in check by the Lions in their quarterfinal win.

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What they’re saying

“When he tells me to get 15, I'm like, 'I'm just gonna get more.'”

— Jayla Lackey, Benson Sophomore

“Everyone thinks that because she's this big kid, that she's like a senior or something, right? But no, she is a sophomore, and she's very soft and kind-hearted. She's not even aggressive like that.”

— Precious Alex, Benson Head Coach

“She is just great with her back to the basket and great facing up to the basket. She's just really multitalented. She has great footwork, her IQ is high, and I told her to come out of the paint a little bit, then go back in and set up shop. And she did that.”

— Precious Alex, Benson Head Coach

What’s next

Lackey and the Benson Astros will face West Linn in the 6A semifinals on Friday night, with a chance to advance to the state championship game.

The takeaway

Jayla Lackey's dominant tournament debut has drawn comparisons to other standout sophomore performances, and Benson coach Precious Alex hopes Lackey can follow a similar trajectory to lead the Astros to a state title, just as Mayenabasi Akpan did for South Medford in 2024.