FAYETTE — Down by eight points to host Jefferson County at the end of three quarters, a comeback did not look possible for Wilkinson County Wednesday night.

But the Wildcats switched defenses at the start of the fourth quarter, forcing some key turnovers, and they made their free throws when it mattered most to defeat the Tigers 58-52.

“We kind of trapped the ball and forced a few turnovers. We made some open shots. We made our free throws down the stretch,” Wilkinson County head coach Ronald Hines said.

In the fourth quarter, Wilkinson County made nine of 13 free throws. And when Jefferson County started fouling late in the ball game, the Wildcats made their free throws down the stretch.

Kenyon McDonald led the Wildcats with a game-high 16 points. Devin Fosselman had 13 points and Lakeithrick Montgomery chipped in with 10 points.

Hines noted that both Fosselman and Devin Voorhies really stepped up for the Wildcats.

“They both played well. They rebounded well and had great post moves and great post play,” Hines said. “This was the second time we’ve played them, so we were familiar with what they do.”

Jefferson County was led by Nicholas Brown with 14 points and Jamel Anderson with 11 points.

Wilkinson County faces off against East Feliciana (La.) at 4:30 p.m. today, and Jefferson County closes out the tournament today at 7:30 p.m. when it takes on Hinds Agricultural High School.

Wilkinson County girls 71, Jefferson County 35

FAYETTE — Tyeshia Harris scored a game-high 23 points and Lineasia Palmer had 18 points as the Wilkinson County Lady Wildcats rolled past the Jefferson County Lady Tigers Wednesday night at the Jefferson County Holiday Tournament.

For the second straight day, Wilkinson County’s defense was outstanding. The 1-2-2 defense frustrated Jefferson County for much of the ball game and especially so in the first half. The Lady Tigers managed just six points in the first quarter and a mere three points in the second quarter to trail 28-9 at halftime.

Meanwhile, the Lady Wildcats’ trio of Harris, Palmer, and Breshianna Day, who finished with 10 points, had their way with Jefferson County. And their defense held Keiquanae Smith in check throughout the game as she was held to just five points. Jerlyn Johnson led the Lady Tigers with 11 points, but she was the only player on the team to score in double figures.

Wilkinson County (4-11) will take on East Feliciana (La.) today at 3 p.m. and Jefferson County goes up against Hinds Agricultural High School today at 6 p.m.