LEARNED — What was to be a tough game between two of the top three teams in the state became a blowout in the second half as the third-ranked Trinity Episcopal Saints defeated the top-ranked Sylva-Bay Academy Saints 60-37 Wednesday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the MAIS Class A State Tournament at Rebul Academy.

Trinity Episcopal, known for turning defense into offense and putting games away early, was held in check by South Central No. 1 seed Sylva-Bay in the first half. However, Trinity still led at the end of the first quarter 13-10 and at halftime 25-19. The third quarter was when Trinity pulled way, outscoring Sylva-Bay 22-11 for a 47-30 advantage.

Arzell McCoy finished with a game-high 21 points and Tommy McCoy had 17 points for South No. 2 seed Trinity Episcopal (24-1), which next plays at 7:15 p.m. today in the boys’ semifinals against the winner of today’s game between West Memphis Christian School and Immanuel Christian School.

Wilkinson County girls 43,

Jefferson County 37

CRYSTAL SPRINGS — Lineasia Palmer led all scorers with 20 points as the fifth-seeded Wilkinson County Lady Wildcats stunned the fourth-seeded Jefferson County Lady Tigers 43-37 Wednesday night in the first round of the MHSAA Division 7-3A Tournament at Crystal Springs High School.

Wilkinson County struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, but it was defense that kept the Lady Wildcats in the game as they went into halftime trailing 18-10. Wilkinson County cut the lead to five points, 29-24, at the end of three quarters before outscoring Jefferson County 19-8 in the fourth quarter.

Antrell Gales and Dionna Jackson scored 11 points each for Jefferson County, which saw its season come to an end. Gadrieka Cotton and Alexis Parker added six points each for Wilkinson County, which will take on top-seeded and top-ranked Crystal Springs at 7 p.m. today in the girls’ semifinals.

Jefferson County boys 57, Franklin County 52 (OT)

CRYSTAL SPRINGS — Ry’Yale Brown led Jefferson County with a game-high 31 points as the Tigers rallied to defeat the fifth-seeded Franklin County Bulldogs 57-52 in overtime Wednesday night in the first round of the MHSAA Division 7-3A Tournament at Crystal Springs High School.

Franklin County led fourth-seeded Jefferson County 19-13 at halftime before the Tigers outscored the Bulldogs 17-14 in the third quarter and 16-13 in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime with the score tied at 46-46. The Tigers then outscored the Bulldogs 11-6 in the extra session.

Christian Day added 11 points for Jefferson County, which will take on No. 1 seed Wilkinson County at 5:30 p.m. today in the boys’ semifinals.