Radnor’s Jackson Gaffney hits a layup in the first half of the Raptors’ 61-36 romp over Unionville in the District 1 Class 5A championship game. Gaffney has been a valuable contributor off the bench for the undefeated Raptors. (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group).
By Matthew DeGeorge
Jackson Gaffney’s senior season at Radnor featured the kind of uncertainty he had hoped to leave behind.
Gaffney spent three years at St. Joe’s Prep before transferring back to his home district, the 6-4 college prospect hoping to get back into a rhythm alongside players he grew up with.
But an injury in the preseason cost him the first 11 games of the campaign. He was unsure how long his season might go, pending an appeal to a district committee for a waiver to play in districts and states.
Like much else for the Raptors this season, the pieces have fallen into place. Gaffney has grown into a valuable bench option, particularly offensively, helping unbeaten Radnor win a District 1 Class 5A title. He’ll be on the court again Friday when the Raptors host Warwick in the opening round of states.
“It was hard for part of the season I was injured and then not sure what the rest of the season would be,” Gaffney said. “It was hard mentally but I just stayed focused, stayed with the team and every game beyond that is a blessing.”