NATCHEZ — The Trinity Episcopal boys’ basketball team jumped out to a 14-10 lead after one quarter of play in the MAIS District 5-AA Championship Game, but it was the second quarter that would make the difference in the game.

Brookhaven Academy scored the first 14 points of the second period and held Trinity to just two points in the quarter to take a 10-point lead into the half.

“We got wild (in the second quarter),” Trinity head coach David King said. “We got out of our game plan. Our game plan was to make smart decisions and we got out of it.”

Trinity had seven turnovers in the second quarter to help Brookhaven take the lead.

The Saints fought back in the second half and cut the Brookhaven lead to nine to end the third quarter. The Saints pulled even closer early in the fourth quarter but were unable to get within striking distance, and Brookhaven was able to kill the final couple of minutes off the clock and take home the district title.

“It was a good ball game for a while,” King said. “Then we had a few turnovers. We played well for a while.”

The loss was Trinity’s third this season to Brookhaven, and King said he is hoping that playing a quality team like Brookhaven in district play will help the Saints in the playoffs.

“We will have to see next week,” he said.

Tanner Cage led the Saints in scoring with 11 points. Tip McKenzie also reached double-figures for the Saints with 10 points.

Brock Smith and Christian Keene both scored 14 points for Brookhaven, and Matthew Evans added 10 points.

Trinity finished its season at 21-9 and will head into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed out of District 5-AA.

Columbia Academy girls 35, Trinity 16

The Trinity girls’ basketball team struggled offensively Saturday against Columbia Academy in the District 5-AA Third-Place game.

The Lady Saints managed just 16 points and fell to Columbia 35-16.

Abbey Ashmore led Trinity with four points in the contest. Ashleigh Williams scored three points. Gabby Knight, Rachel House, Rosie Woods, Murphy Aldridge and Margaret Ward each scored two points a piece for the Lady Saints.

The loss dropped Trinity to 8-20 on the season. They will go into the playoffs as the No. 4 seed out of District 5-AA.