JACKSON – It’s been a proven fact for Jefferson County coach Flora McKnight.

Whenever she needs someone to turn it up a notch, it’s usually Travalyn Smith that winds up cranking the wrench.

Such was the case Wednesday against the Lanier Lady Bulldogs in the opening round of the Jackson Public Schools/Pepsi Holiday Tournament held at Forest Hill High School.

In the midst of a tight battle, Smith responded by pouring in 14 of her game-high 30 points to propel Jefferson County to a 66-54 win.

The victory improved McKnight’s squad to 7-9 on the season. They will face off against Warren Central at 4 p.m. today.

After trailing by five at the break, the Tigerettes began to chip away and after three quarters the Lanier lead was just four.

That’s when Smith went to work, and was aided by Shaterrica Hall’s 20 points and 12 from Paulesha McBride.

April Snider paced Lanier with 24 points.

Lanier 118, Jefferson boys 63

The Tigers weren’t so fortunate as Thomas Billups’ squad never let up in the rout, surging out to a 39-13 lead after one quarter.

Monta Ellis provided the offense for Lanier with 34 points.

Jefferson County, who actually outscored Lanier by a pair in the final frame, was led in scoring by Dewones Smith’s 20-point effort.

Delvin Thompson chipped in with 13 and Jermond Banks had nine.

21st-Annual Jackson Public Schools/Pepsi Holiday Tournament

First round

Varsity girls

Jefferson County 66, Lanier 54

LHS 13 26 12 16 – 54 JCHS 10 24 13 23 – 66 LHS: April Snider 24, Bonnie Crawford 15, Candace Bingham 7, Tanbra Johnson 2, Jana Hudson 2. JCHS (7-9): Travalyn Smith 30, Sheterrica Hall 20, Paulesha McBride 12, Ayesha Fountain 4 Next: will play Warren Central in second round today at 4 p.m. at Forest Hill High School.

Varsity boys Lanier 118, Jefferson County 63

LHS: 39 28 26 17 – 118 JCHS: 13 15 20 15 – 63

LHS: Monta Ellis 34, Denauldo Bennett 19, Issac Wells 17, Brian Jones 15, Johnathan Blackmon 7, Chris Magee 6, Bobby Bryant 5, Sean Johnson 5, Martabious Warner 3. JCHS (8-8): Dewones Smith 20, Delvin Thompson 13, Jermond Banks 9, David Tyler 7, Juan Wyatt 7, Joshfer Nichols 4, Kendell Williams 3, Lekendrick Harried 2.