Jackson Ray’s free throws take team to tourney

Jackson Ray, a sixth-grader at West Madison Elementary School, is a basketball and baseball standout.

MADISON – Jackson Ray always will remember his play that led his team to a tournament.

“I was shooting free throws at the end of this basketball game to win in overtime, allowing the team to play in a tournament championship game,” Ray said. He has played basketball for Basketball Association of Madison (BAM) for four seasons.

However, his favorite sport is actually baseball. Currently, Ray plays for the Hornets, a travel baseball team in the 11U AA category (’11U’ abbreviates 11 years old and under). He plays in the field positions of first base, outfield and pitcher.

In the next school year, Ray will be in sixth grade at West Madison Elementary School. He is a team member of the Elementary Student 2 Student (ES2S) group at West Madison, a program that helps transferring students transition into a new school environment. He also participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes at West Madison.

Jackson’s parents are Jeff and Ashley Ray. Jeff works in area sales and branch management for Penske Truck Leasing. Ashley works as a registered nurse at Huntsville Hospital. Jackson’s brother, Will, is a third-grader, also at West Madison.

Q & A

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Jackson’s favorite food is chicken wings.

Q: What restaurants do you like?

A: Cricket’s and Zaxby’s in Madison.

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: His favorite sports teams are the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the San Antonio Spurs.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: Not surprisingly, Jackson likes to play baseball and basketball … “or, really, any other activity outside,” Ashley Ray said.

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: Currently, Jackson hopes to attend Vanderbilt University and major in engineering.