JACKSON — Every time the Franklin County Lady Bulldogs took a step, the Southeast Lauderdale Tigers took a jump Friday afternoon in the girls’ Class 3A State Championship. Southeast Lauderdale overpowered Franklin County 78-52, behind double figure outbursts from Brittany Roberts, Lucy Ruffin and Martika Ivy.

Franklin County ended its best overall season at 27-11, under sixth year head coach Charles Moore.

“I’m proud of the season we had,” said Moore following the game. “Today we lost to an excellent Southeast Lauderdale team that’s very talented. They were really impressive.”

The Lady Bulldogs hung with Southeast Lauderdale for a quarter, trailing the 36-1 Lady Tigers 21-13, after one period of action. Missed shots and turnovers plagued the Lady Bulldogs in the second quarter, as Southeast Lauderdale took a 37-18 into halftime.

“Our defense made some big plays, especially in the first half,” said Lady Tigers head coach Joe Miller.

Southeast opened up the second half with a 15-4 run to take a 52-22 lead with 5:22 remaining. The Lady Tigers got several fast break points from its big three playmakers in Ruffin, Ivy, and Jackson during the span to increase its lead to 63-28 after three quarters of play.

Franklin County outscored Southeast Lauderdale 24-15 in the fourth quarter, as seniors Monea Cameron and Shareka Hunt took their last shots in a Lady Bulldogs uniform.

“This year’s group really got the most out of their talent,” said Moore. “I can’t say enough about my seniors in Monea Cameron, Shareka Hunt, Briana Hunt, and Charlesia Houston.”

Forwards Paige Webster and Shareka Hunt each led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points and six rebounds. Cameron netted 10 points and grabbed five rebounds and had five assists. Houston added eight points, five boards, two assists, and blocked two shots.

For Southeast Lauderdale, junior guard Brittany Roberts had a game high 22 points. 5-11 senior forward Martika Ivy added 21 points and collected 13 rebounds. Senior point guard Lucy Ruffin had 18 points, six rebounds, and made five steals.