CLINTON — Two clutch free throws by Michael Whitley with 10.6 seconds left was the difference between staying in contention at the MAIS Overall Tournament, or going home for Trinity Episcopal School.

The Saints (20-2) survived a scare by Simpson Academy in the first round of the tournament with a 61-60 win.

The Saints trailed most of the game to a hot-shooting Cougar team that made eight three-pointers while Trinity couldn’t get one to drop.

With 10.6 remaining in regulation, the Saints were ahead 59-58 when a costly error by Simpson’s coach James Crain gave Trinity a sigh of relief.

Crain called a timeout though the Cougars had none left, and the technical foul resulted in Whitley heading to the free-throw line.

Sinking both shots, the Saints were able to lead by three points, which ended up being just what they needed as a Saints turnover resulted in a Cougar layup as time expired.

The two-point layup could’ve won the game if it weren’t for Whitley’s free throws.

Saints head coach Edwin White said his players have shown resilience against a tough team in a tight spot.

“We’ve played tough teams all year, we’ve been in these situations,” White said. “Every game is important and our mentality is it’s all or nothing. The kids have bought into it and they are playing aggressive and with a lot of heart.”

Whitley led the Saints in scoring with 21 points while Tommy McCoy followed with 19 points. Trinity advanced to the second round of the Overall Tournament against the winner of West Memphis Christian Academy and Madison Richmond Academy at 6 p.m. Friday.

Jackson Prep 53, ACCS 48

clinton — ACCS boys basketball team (26-5) fell to Jackson Prep 53-48 in the opening round of the Overall Basketball Tournament in Clinton Tuesday afternoon. Entering the fourth quarter with an 8-point lead, the Rebels were eight minutes away from advancing in the playoffs. Then a 21-8 run in the fourth quarter gave Jackson Prep the victory.

“I thought we executed for three quarters and did what we needed to do, but the last quarter we had a lack of execution,” said ACCS head basketball coach Richy Spears. “We had some chances and we didn’t capitalize. We had too many mistakes in the fourth quarter.”

Ryan Strong and Chris Guedon led ACCS with 10 each, while Lester Wells scored eight and Jay Fleming and Tyler Stockstill added six. Jackson Prep’s Ben Clark and James Young combined for 31 of the team’s 53 points.

“It was a great team,” Spears said. “I’m proud of them. They never quit.”

Jefferson County 67,

Sumrall 38

Fayette — Jefferson County defended its home court with a 67-38 victory over Sumrall in Fayette on Tuesday.

The win in the opening round of the MHSAA Class 3A boys playoffs was sparked by a three double-digit scoring performance from Ry’Yale Brown, Christian Day and Akeem Williams. Brown led the Tigers in scoring with 17, while Daye contributed 15 and Williams provided 11.

Alex Wilson scored 12 for Sumrall and Shane McClain aided with 11.

Jefferson County will play the winner between Philadelphia and Morton Thursday at 7 p.m.