MARKS — Wayne Academy’s plan to beat Trinity Episcopal was simple.

Try to slow the game down and not allow Trinity’s offense to get into a rhythm.

For one quarter, the plan worked.

But the Lady Saints got tired of the slow down game and started forcing the tempo with some pressure defense in the second quarter, and the result was a 55-35 Trinity victory in the first round of the MAIS Class A State tournament.

“(Wayne) came out in a zone and tried to slow it down,” Trinity coach Richy Spears said. “We had to speed the game up to get going so we jumped into a press. That’s what kind of broke the game open. We got some easy shots out of the press and made some good plays against them.”

Trinity (23-9) led just 8-5 after one quarter, but thanks to the press, the Lady Saints outscored Wayne 18-3 in the second quarter to take a 26-8 lead into halftime.

With the big halftime lead, the Lady Saints were able to cruise to victory in the second half.

Bethany Ogden led a balanced Trinity scoring attack with 18 points while Madelyn Cross had 17 and Brandis White chipped in with 14.

“Anytime those three can get 15 or better, I think we have a good chance to win,” Spears said. “It’s important for them to get their points.”

Kelli Durr and Katrina Lofton led Wayne with 10 points each.

The Lady Saints had no hangover from their loss in the South State championship game, Spears said.

“I thought we played pretty well,” Spears said. “The intensity was there, just like it has always been throughout the year.”

Trinity will face Marvell Academy in the tournament quarterfinals of the tournament at 5 p.m. today.

“Marvell has a very good team,” Spears said. “They’ve got a good inside and outside game, can handle the ball and play tough defense. They are the No. 1 seed out of the north for a reason.”

Trinity boys 75, Prentiss Christian 49

MARKS — The Trinity Episcopal Saints had no problems shaking off their loss in the MAIS Class A South State championship game as they pounded Prentiss Christian by 26 points in the first round of the State tournament Wednesday.

The Saints dominated from the start, outscoring Prentiss 17-10 in the first quarter and 22-10 in the second quarter to take a 39-20 lead into halftime.

Trinity had a very balanced scoring attack, with four players scoring in double figures.

Tanner Cage led the way for Trinity with 14 points while Kent King scored 13 and L.J. Trimble and R.J. Fleming each tallied 11.

Prentiss was led by Chance Holloway with 18 points and Keaton Stamps with 13.

Trinity improved to 21-8 on the season and will take on Greenville Christian School in the quarterfinals of the tournament at 3:45 p.m. today.