A spot has been clinched for the first round of South State, now Natchez High’s boys and girls look to host that first round game. Natchez High boys face Jim Hill, while the Lady Bulldogs face Provine in the finals of the Division 6-5A Tournament today at the Natchez High gym.

Natchez’s girls defeated Forest Hill 61-47 to advance to the finals where they will face Provine at 6 p.m.

Provine defeated Jim Hill 66-30.

Natchez and Jim Hill’s boys were expected to be spectators today, but Natchez upset Forest Hill 77-57, while Jim Hill surprised top-seeded Provine 57-53.

&uot;I think a lot of the pressure is off of us after winning Tuesday,&uot; said Natchez guard Edwin Harris. &uot;I think defense is going to be the key against Jim Hill. We need to get the momentum early. The crowd helps us out a lot and we’ll be counting on them.&uot;

Natchez, 22-8, was led in scoring Tuesday by Jamal Bouldin with 20 points. David Haywood finished with 13.

&uot;This is the biggest game I’ve played in here,&uot; Bouldin said of tonight’s contest. &uot;We have to play under control and keep our poise.&uot;

Jim Hill was led by Mario Jointer with 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Harold Martin added 16.

The Bulldogs will be seeking their third win in three meetings over Jim Hill this year, but Bulldog head coach Mike Martin knows the Tigers will still be pumped up for their 7:30 p.m. game today.

The winner of tonight’s game will host a first round South State contest Tuesday. The loser goes on the road.

Natchez High’s Lady Bulldogs used its quickness on defense to overcome a 10-point halftime deficit and defeat Forest Hill.

Christen West led Natchez Tuesday with 15 points. Christal Sylvester and JaKeisha Hawkins added 12 each.

&uot;We have to start out like we want to win this time,&uot; said Lady Bulldog coach Mary Irving. &uot;We can’t stand around and let them jump on us. We have to have the same type of intensity we has at the last part of the game Tuesday. We need to start out and finish the same way.&uot;

Natchez, 10-20, split with Provine during the season.

&uot;We scored 72 points against them, so if we can add better defense to our offense, there’s no doubt we can win,&uot; Irving said. &uot;But it’s going to come down to our defensive play, that’s the bottom line.&uot;

The winner of the Natchez-Provine game will host a first round South State game Monday. The loser goes on the road.