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JCHS' Joshua Day drives to the goal.

Wilkinson County High School’s Brandon McGhee soars in for a layup attempt Friday during an MHSAA game against Jefferson County in Woodville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

It was a back and forth battle until the end, but Jefferson County High School was able to pull through to seal the 67-56 win over Wilkinson County Friday night.

The Tigers outscored Wilkinson County 41-31 in the second half in its effort pull away.

““We actually played as a team tonight,” Jefferson County coach Marcus Walton said. “We pulled together, shared the basketball and made extra passes. We trusted the systems and our instincts.”

Jefferson County had help from just about every one of its players. To lead the team, Rashard Short and Joshua Day each ended the night with 23 points.

The Tigers were also able to hit shots from all around the court. Day finished with two 3-pointers and also found a sweet spot in the back left corner where he was able to sink two jumpers in the fourth period.

“It helps a lot when everyone is involved,” Walton said. “This is a team that has a lot of experience, and this is their time to step up. I’m trying to just make them realize how important it is to stay unified.”

Jefferson County also had help from Riche Jackson with 11 points, and Nico Griffin added 8 of his own.

The Wildcats were only down by one point at halftime, 26-25, but just couldn’t keep the momentum.

“Toward the end, we kind of rushed a couple shots,” Wilkinson County coach Julius Anderson said. “We also had a lot of fouls early, so we couldn’t really do the things we do offensively.”

To lead its efforts, Travion Jones posted 31 points for Wilkinson County. JaQurias Stewart followed with 17.

Despite the victory, Walton said he still sees room for development.

“We have a lot of defensive reaching,” he said. “Also at times, our one-on-one offense has trouble.”

Jefferson County (8-9) will be back home on Tuesday to face Franklin County, and Wilkinson County (6-19) will travel to Wesson, also on Tuesday.

Jefferson County (girls) 67, Wilkinson County 53

Dea’Breaun Turner opened scoring for the Jefferson County (15-3) girls team, and it wouldn’t be the last time she would find the hoop.

With starting center Antrell Gales out with an season-ending injury, Turner came up big inside, scoring 30 points, including 10 of their 13 points in the third quarter, to lead the Lady Tigers to the 67-53 victory.

“She stepped up,” Jefferson County coach Flora McKnight said. “She moved well tonight.”

Not only did inside buckets rack up easy points for the Lady Tigers, but fouls in the paint allowed Turner to shoot free throws. She was 8 of 13 from the line.

“Free throws always help because they can win a game,” McKnight said. “They are very important, and we try to sink all of them.”

Turner didn’t go without help, however. Tra’Nesha Wells added 12 points, and Kailyn Hammett and Jarqualya Doss each ended with 10.

Jefferson County also knew just when to pass Turner the ball, totaling 16 total assists for the team, with Hammett having 10.

“It helped a lot,” Turner said. “They kept feeding it to me, and I kept scoring.”

Wilkinson County (4-11) came out strong to be tied midway through the first quarter, 6-6, but missed shots in the second half allowing the Lady Tigers to pull away.

“We were missing layups,” said Anderson said, who also coaches the girls team. “When we do that, we aren’t going to win the game.”

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