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JM’s Lady Justices go all in this season

Fred Jeter | 2/9/2023, noon
Richmond has two state champion basketball contenders, and both have the same address: 4225 Old Brook Road on the North ...
John Marshall’s lady Justices are from left, Jaedyn Cook, Khamaya early, Mia Crutchfield, Yazmin Hall, Zuri Hall and Janiyaha pickett. Standing in the middle is their coach, Virgil Burton. Photo by James Haskins

Richmond has two state champion basketball contenders, and both have the same address: 4225 Old Brook Road on the North Side.

The John Marshall High boys, ranked No. 2 nationally, are overwhelming favorites to repeat as State Class 2 champs.

Coach Virgil Burton’s girls may be traveling on the same path.

The Lady Justices were state semifinalists a year ago and the current squad is cruising along in high gear.

“We have everyone back from last year, plus some newcomers,” said Coach Burton, whose team started this week 15-6.

“We’re very optimistic. This season we want to take it a step further and win it (States).”

Something’s Cookin’: JM’s leading light is 6-foot-3 senior “point forward” Jaedyn Cook, who averages 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots per game.

“She’s very skilled as a ball handler, shooter and she can get up and down the floor,” says Coach Burton.

Cook, who has more than 1,000 career point in just three seasons (2020-21 canceled), is headed to East Carolina on a full ride.

Blue Forest: White ‘n’ blue clad Justices have one of state’s tallest front lines in Cook, 6-foot-2 junior Mia Crutchfield, a transfer from L.C. Bird, and 6-foot-1 senior Khamaya Early.

“Khamaya is the muscle of the team,” says Coach Burton.

“Mia is our post presence,” he adds.

Supplying plenty of backup is 6-foot Kayden Jones, who attends Franklin Military Academy.

Pickett line: JM’s primary ball handler is Janiyaha Pickett, a transfer from Carolina.

“Janiyaha has all the ball skills in the world,” Coach Burton said. “She creates pressure with her dribble penetration and is an exceptional mid-range shooter.”

Sister act: Speedsters Yasmin and Zuri Hall take turns in the backcourt making life stressful on JM opponents.

“Yasmin is the most athletic girl on the team – she’s fast and an exceptional defender,” Coach Burton said.

Zuri, a starter a year ago, mostly comes off the bench this season to provide plenty of oomph.

“Zuri is the definition of big guard,” Coach Burton said.

Twin-kies: You’ll find the name “Rose” on both the boys’ and girls’ teams for JM, and both wear No. 21.

Logan Rose plays for the girls while her twin, 6-foot-7 Desmond Rose, is an up-and-comer on the boys’ squad.

Other similarities: Like the JM boys, the girls are closely linked to the Team Loaded AAU travel squad. Coach Burton coached the U-17 team last year, featuring Cook.

Key to the City: JM has dominated its Richmond rivals, defeating George Wythe by 62-17 and 70-10, Thomas Jefferson by 85-10 and Armstrong, 88-18.

Officer on duty: In addition to coaching, Coach Burton serves as the school’s resource officer and is in his 19th year on the Richmond Police force.

Football fans might recall Coach Burton as an All-CIAA linebacker for Virginia Union under former Coach Willard Bailey.

Not to be confused: Coach Burton insists his team does not “live in the shadows” of the more publicized JM boys.

“We share the practice floor with the boys and we look up to them,” says Coach Burton.

“But we’re proud of the way we’ve put our program together, brick by brick. We’re trying to create our own lane.”