Hancock Basketball's Rijo Jackson Signs with Division III-Level Northland College

Former Allan Hancock College men's basketball player Rijo Jackson has earned the opportunity to be the first person in his family to attend a four-year university. The Lompoc High School graduate committed to play basketball at Northland College, a Wisconsin-based Division III program.

"I cannot wait to get out there, play and represent my family, Hancock and the Central Coast," said Jackson. "I spoke to Northland players and they said there is a true brotherhood on the team. I checked out the college and area on social media sites and the Web. I am excited for the new experiences ahead of me."

Jackson played 38 games over two seasons for the Bulldogs. Hancock qualified for the state playoffs in both seasons. During the 2013-14 season, he averaged nearly four points per game and shot 33 percent from three-point territory as a sophomore. He played 12 games his freshman season at Hancock. Overall, he made 32 percent of his three-point shots during his Bulldog career and averaged 2.9 points per game.

Jackson is proud to be the first member of his family to enroll in a four-year university. His cousin was the late pop icon Michael Jackson.

"Michael was like a father to me. I grew up surrounded by my mother, sister and grandma and he took me under his wing. I know he is looking down on me with a smile on his face," said Jackson.

A foot injury prevented Jackson from playing at Northland last season. Jackson worked as a childcare provider and youth instructor at the Lompoc YMCA in the last year.

"The year away from competitive basketball really fueled my fire to keep working hard to play at a four-year university," added Jackson. "I played in a recreation league, but it wasn't the same as college ball."

Northland College competes in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division III level. Based in Ashland, Wisconsin, Northland has an annual enrollment of 600 full-time students.

Last season, the Lumberjacks finished 8-15 overall under third-year head coach Scott Sorenson, who has also coached at the Division II-level, as well as for a professional European team.

He is the fifth Hancock men's basketball player to earn an opportunity to move on to the next level during head coach Tyson Aye's two seasons with the Bulldogs.

"Playing basketball at Hancock was a great experience. Coach Aye is awesome and taught me a lot and I'm thankful for his help to get me to a four-year university," said Jackson.

Coach Aye said it was always rewarding to help student-athletes score their dreams, especially local athletes.

"Rijo had opportunities to play for schools last year, but couldn't because of a foot injury," said Aye. "For Rijo to persevere after a year off is a testament to him. He never gave up on his dream and worked hard to make it happen."

Jackson plans to major in social justice or sociology. He wants to work with underprivileged children as a social worker or probation officer.

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