Brainerd’s Jabari Evans shoots over Howard’s Antonio Smith Friday evening at Brainerd.Because Jabari Evans is a newcomer to the Brainerd High School boys’ basketball team, the Panthers may not have known how much he was missed when he got hurt early in the season. But after his breakout performance Friday against rival Howard, they have a good idea how much they missed him now.
The senior transfer from the Atlanta area led Brainerd in three major statistical categories, not the least his career-best 36 points, and the Panthers defeated the Hustlin’ Tigers 81-73 in a District 6-AA game at Brainerd.
Additionally, Evans, who injured his back in a season-opening tournament in the Bahamas and missed a handful of games, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished seven assists.
“Good players make you look like you know what you’re doing,” longtime Brainerd coach Robert High said.
Howard was leading 25-21 when the Panthers started a 14-0 run. Although the Tigers responded with three consecutive 3-point goals to get back within 35-34, they never could regain the lead.