Since she was little Jada Perry has had the nickname “Juice.” In Wildwood’s two biggest games of the year she was the juice and the squeeze as Perry propelled the Wildcats to their first state title in program history. A 21 point, 10 rebound performance in the semis, followed up by 25, 6 and 5 steals in the championship game.

“I just felt like I had to go out with a bang,” said the senior guard. “I can’t believe it’s really over.”

“It was unbelievable,” Wildwood head coach Richard Hampton said. “She stepped up in both games. But that’s the way she plays. We call her Jada Juice because when she gets going and driving to the basket, that’s just who she is. She’s aggressive on the boards and attacking the basket.”

Jada played every minute of the state title game against South Walton. The 6’1” senior guard was able to put the game away with clutch free throw shooting allowing the celebration to begin. Perry still has one vivid memory from that moment.

“Running to Hamp after the game,” she said. “He deserved it, and I told him I was going to get him one and I did.”

“It was special because with her coming in here we had to go through a lot to get her ready to play. So we’ve come a long way and it was a very special moment.”

Perry is in her second season with the Wildcats and says she was able to rise to the occasion due to being battle tested.

“The way our schedule was, we had to step up every night if we wanted to win, so we were used to that,” said Perry.

With college visits lined up for Perry she has one wish remaining for her high school career.

“The best memory hasn’t come yet, I just want the ring.”

It’ll be here soon enough.