One year ago, Jefferson County’s girls basketball team became the first girls team at the Fayette school to reach the semifinals of South State.

Monday, the 1999-2000 Lady Tigers became the second, defeating Independence High 59-48 in the Class 3A state quarterfinals at the Mississippi Coliseum.

The Lady Tigers, 29-6, will meet Forest High Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Jackson for the chance to reach the championship game.

Jefferson County fell behind Independence by 12 points in the first quarter before cutting that margin to 13-8 at the end of the period.

&uot;We weren’t playing ball, we were just standing around,&uot; said Jefferson County head coach Flora McKnight. &uot;We played absolutely no defense. I think the girls were nervous and we were the first game.&uot;

The contest tipped off at 1:30 p.m.

&uot;I think that had an effect, too,&uot; McKnight said.

Both teams scored 16 points in the second quarter as Independence led 29-24 at halftime.

The Lady Tigers took control in the third period, outscoring the Lady Wildcats 23-8 for a 47-37 lead.

&uot;We started playing defense and moving our feet,&uot; McKnight said. &uot;I knew once we settled down and played our style of ball we could come back.&uot;

McKnight said Independence had two players guarding leading scorer Shaquita Smith, with help from another.

&uot;They just left our guards open,&uot; she said. &uot;They would have one person on both guards. Our guards starting making their shots and then we were able to get the ball to ‘Quita.’&uot;

Jefferson County outscored Independence 12-11 in the final period.

Smith led the Lady Tigers with 20 points.

Catoya Winston and Sherkia Harried added 10 each, while Gretchen Flores chipped in nine.

Independence, 23-12, was led by Dorothy Mays with 13 and Courtney Dowl with 12.

The Lady Tigers lost to Forest in the semifinals of South State before defeating Amite County in the consolation game to advance to the state tournament.

&uot;We have to cut down on our turnovers,&uot; McKnight said. &uot;Forest plays a tough man-to-man and puts a lot of pressure on you.&uot;

The championship game will be held March 9 at 6:30 p.m.

The Lady Tigers won South State last year, but lost to Stone County in the state semifinals last year.