LEARNED — By the time Trinity Episcopal’s offense showed up, it was too late. West Memphis Christian School already had the game well in hand and was on its way to playing for a state championship.

The North No. 2 seed Black Knights slowed down the Saints in the first three quarters by turning defense into offense as they defeated the South No. 2 seed Saints 78-62 Friday night in the boys’ semifinals of the MAIS Class A State Tournament at Rebul Academy.

West Memphis took control in the first quarter and led Trinity 21-12 at the end of the quarter. Even though the second quarter was closer, the Black Knights still outscored the Saints 15-12 for a 36-24 halftime lead.

The third quarter is when the game got away from the Saints as they scored just 10 points while the Black Knights put up an astounding 28 points for a commanding 63-34 lead. Trinity did outscore West Memphis 28-15 in the fourth quarter, but that only made the final score a little more respectable.

Tommy McCoy finished with 21 points and Michael Whitley had 19 points to lead Trinity Episcopal (24-2). The Saints now must beat South No. 3 seed Claiborne Academy in the consolation game at 6 p.m. today in order to advance to the Overall Tournament, which takes place next week.

Jefferson County 53, Hazlehurst 43

CRYSTAL SPRINGS — Ry’Yale Brown and Christian Day led Jefferson County with 13 points each as the Tigers stunned the No. 2 seed Hazlehurst Indians 53-43 Friday night to win the boys’ championship of the MHSAA Division 7-3A Tournament at Crystal Springs High School.

The first quarter was tied at 9-9 before Jefferson County would go on to outscore Hazlehurst in each of the next three quarters — 13-10 in the second quarter, 17-14 in the third quarter and 14-10 in the fourth quarter.

Akeem Williams and Ladarrius Harried had seven points each for Jefferson County (16-13), which pulled off upsets of Wilkinson County and Hazlehurst en route to winning the division title. The Tigers will host the Division 8-3A No. 4 seed at a time to be determined Tuesday in the first round of the MHSAA Class 3A South State Playoffs.

Hartfield Academy 48, ACCS 37

WINONA — The South No. 4 seed Hartfield Academy Hawks’ amazing run through the MAIS Class AA State Tournament at Winona Christian School continued Friday night as they upset the South No. 2 seed Adams County Christian School Rebels 48-37 in the boys’ semifinals. No other information on the game was available.

ACCS (26-4) now must defeat South No. 3 seed Brookhaven Academy at 6 p.m. in the third-place game in order to advance to next week’s Overall Tournament.

Wilkinson County def. Crystal Springs

CRYSTAL SPRINGS — The Wilkinson County Wildcats bounced back from their stunning loss to Jefferson County in the semifinals by defeating the Crystal Springs Tigers Friday afternoon in the boys’ consolation game of the MHSAA Division 7-3A Tournament. No other information on the game was available.

With its victory over Crystal Springs, Wilkinson County (13-12) will be the No. 3 seed from Division 7-3A and will play at the Division 8-3A No. 2 seed at a time to be determined Monday in the first round of the MHSAA Class 3A South State Playoffs.