Boys basketball Q&A with Northern Burlington senior Josh Jackson
As part of our South Jersey high school boys' basketball coverage, we want to know a little bit more about some of the region's players. Northern Burlington senior guard Josh Jackson recently spoke to the Courier Post about the upcoming playoffs, being selected to the state all-star game, community service and much more.
JF: Northern Burlington went 13-13 last season, but is already 15-7 this year. What's been the key to the turnaround?
JJ: Playing as a team more, and it comes down to just making shots and scoring more and following the game plan our coaches meant for us.
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JF: How do you feel heading into the playoffs?
JJ: We feel good. I feel like we have a strong connection with each other and I feel like we can carry on this momentum into the playoffs, so I feel we can get deep.
JF: You've already played your playoff opponent, Burlington Township, twice this season. What's it like playing a program you're familiar with?
JJ: We have film on them, so it feels good knowing that we're not going to be blindsided by anything because we know what they're going to do. We feel we'll be very prepared for them as we go into the playoffs.
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JF: Your two games have been close. You lost by three on Jan. 9 and won by two on Feb. 1. What was the difference the second time around?
JJ: The first game we didn't get off too hot and we turned the ball over and weren't boxing out, getting boards. It came down to the little things, playing defense and getting boards.
JF: You were recently selected to the NJSIAA North/South Senior All-Star Game. What was that like?
JJ: It means a lot to me because it just shows all my hard work is paying off and I'm getting noticed for my skills. It just feels nice to have someone finally recognize me as one of the top players in the state.
JF: What's been the best moment of your high school career?
JJ: When we swept Willingboro (this year), that was probably the best moment so far. When we swept Willingboro I knew we were a legit team because we haven't done that in I don't know how many years (Northern Burlington hadn't beaten Willingboro since Jan. 13, 2015).
JF: How have you improved this season?
JJ: I think I improved in my facilitating more than anything. I think I've become a way better facilitator and better floor general. I think I'm controlling the floor a lot better than I did last year I and I think it's starting to pay off for us.
JF: Do you have any college plans?
JJ: I don't have college figured out yet but hopefully I can pick up a few offers before the season is over.
JF: What would you want to study and why?
JJ: First I want to study accounting and then sports management as my minor. I'm just interested in accounting and I've always been interested in numbers.
JF: What do you like to do off the floor?
JJ: I am involved with the chorus and I just kick it with my family as much as possible.
JF: How long have you been with the chorus?
JJ: I've been doing it all high school and did it in middle school as well, so eight years now.
JF: Have you ever wanted to sing the national anthem before a game?
JJ: Not really thought about it, I don't know. I think it'd be worth a shot one day.
JF: What singer would you want to emulate?
JJ: Probably Brian McKnight. The way he controls his voice is very interesting to me. My dad likes to play him a lot so that's where I kind of got him from.
JF: What's something people don't know about you?
JJ: I help in the community. On Thanksgiving and Christmas and stuff I go to Philly and feed the homeless.
JF: Do you enjoy it?
JJ: I really enjoy doing it. I really like seeing the joy on their faces when I give them food and have conversations with them. I like learning about their lives.
Josh Friedman; @JFriedman57; (856) 486-2431; jfriedman2@gannettnj.com
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