Ahniysha "Baby" Jackson switched from Falcon blue to Saints green and gold on Wednesday when she signed a national letter of intent to continue her basketball career at Siena College. She was surrounded by her parents, teammates and dedicated coaches.
“I am so thankful for the team members and coaches who got me to this point,” Jackson said at a signing ceremony in the Albany High library.
Known for her prolific 3-point shooting, Jackson is a 5'8" guard who led the Falcons to the Class AA semifinals during the 2018-19 season. She is the third member of the Albany High School girls’ basketball team to a sign a Division 1 national letter of intent since 2013, following Emia Willingham (Siena) and Mylah Chandler (Colgate).
“Baby is a very special person to me. I grew up with her parents and am so proud of all that she has accomplished,” said Coach Decky Lawson.
Jackson orally committed to the Saints last summer and briefly considered playing for the women’s team at Saint Joseph’s in Philadelphia. But she made the decision to play locally, where family, friends, coaches and teammates can continue to provide the support that’s gotten her to where she is today.
“Siena was a perfect fit ... It feels good. I'm here and I'm happy,” she said.
Jackson’s goal for her final season as a Falcon is to win the sectional title and, of course, improve her game and hone her skills in preparation for transitioning to a Saint.
Pictures from the event can be found on the district's Facebook page and the Times Union did an excellent preview piece on the signing, which was also covered by WRGB and WNYT.
