Jefferson County made a clean sweep of Vidalia Saturday, edging the Vikings in two close games during the final day of the Natchez High School Hoops Classic.

The Vikings nearly overcame a 40-22 halftime defecit but came up just short in the final seconds of a 65-61 loss to the Tigers.

&uot;It was a tale of two halves,&uot; said Jefferson County (6-4) coach Marcus Walton. &uot;We had the first half, and Vidalia had the second.&uot;

The Tigers’ Dewones Smith made three three-pointers in the second quarter as part of a 19-2 Jefferson County run.

Vidalia (7-4) began to cut into the Tigers’ lead in the third quarter, and came within two late in the fourth.

&uot;Our team had a mental breakdown in the last 16 minutes,&uot; Walton said. &uot;But the guys pulled together at the end. They had to. There’s nothing a coach can do in a situation like that.&uot;

Jefferson County was led by Smith’s 18 points. Delvin Thompson scored 14 points and Londell Eanochs added 10.

Vidalia was led by A.J. Warner, who scored 18 points. Derrick Johnson scored 12, and Jarvis Vaughn had 11 points, 14 rebounds, six steals and four blocks.

Sherika Harried’s 10 fourth-quarter points helped the Lady Tigers beat the Lady Vikings 53-48 in the girls varsity game.

&uot;In the fourth quarter, I knew my team was down and I knew I’d have to help bring them back,&uot; Harried said. &uot;I knew I’d have to do what I could.&uot;

The score was 33-33 after the third quarter, but Jefferson County (8-6) jumped out to a quick 10-point lead.

Vidalia’s Brendy Ellis, who finished with a game-high 24 points, slashed that lead to five with a three-pointer followed by a quick steal and another basket.

However, Harried’s 4-of-8 performance at the free-throw line in the final seconds of the game was enough to ensure the Lady Tigers’ win.

Jefferson County was led by Travalyn Smith, who scored 20 points and hauled in eight rebounds. Harried finished with 17 points.

&uot;The girls played an excellent game,&uot;said Vidalia coach Lillian Johnson. &uot;I hope what we learned here will help us in district down the line.&uot;

Vidalia (6-4) next hosts Newellton and Jefferson County next hosts South Pike, both with three games beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday.