By TAYLOR DENMAN

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal boys basketball improved to 8-1 in MAIS district 5-AA with a resounding 69-33 win at home over Porter’s Chapel Academy Tuesday night.

“A lot of guys contributed in a lot of different ways tonight,” Trinity head coach Chris Brunio said. “In more ways than they have during the year. They’re progressing.”

The Saints’ major offensive contributions in the first half came from sophomores Cole Mosby and Spencer Adams, who combined for 22 of Trinity’s 32 points in the first half.

Early in the first period, Mosby pulled up for 3-pointer and drained it to bring the Saints within one point of the lead, 8-7. His second shot gave Trinity the lead on the following possession. The Saints didn’t play from behind for the remainer of the game.

The second half brought all hands on deck for Trinity. The Saints got offensive contributions across the board from seven different players. Kevontaye Caston cashed all 15 of his points in the second half. Mosby and Adams, who rested for most of the second half finished with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

“(Tuesday) we used a different starting lineup,” Brunio said. “We had a lot of different players play a lot of different positions, which they aren’t used to. They had to step up and play their role.”

Brunio tested his team’s depth against Porter’s Chapel. Caston and sophomore David Jackson played big minutes as the sixth and seventh men, a huge part of Trinity’s 37-point second half. Jackson finished the game with seven points and five rebounds.

Porter’s Chapel displayed some pinpoint outside shooting in stretches, but Trinity reeled in 25 rebounds on the night, and dominated the offensive glass. Limiting Porter’s second-chance baskets sustained Trinity’s offensive runs.

“We played a lot more zone [Tuesday], which helped our rebounding big time,” Brunio said. “We kept guys in the lane and did a good job of boxing out.”

Tuesday was also senior night at Trinity High School. Trinity boy’s basketball’s lone senior C.J. Chatman had six points and his five rebounds gave him a share of the leading rebounder role with Jackson.

Trinity improved to 13-5, and a win on the road against Wilkinson County Christian Academy on Thursday will crown the Saints 5-AA district champions and grant them a No. 1 seed in the state tournament.

Trinity Girls 78, Porter’s Chapel 23

Trinity girls basketball remained undefeated in district play, improving to a perfect 9-0 in district 5-AA after beating Porter’s Chapel 78-23 Tuesday night.

“We had some excellent passing,” Trinity head coach Faye Minor said. “We’re going to need that going into South State.”

Minor’s squad held Porter’s Chapel to single digits in the first half. The Saints efficient ball movement boosted them to a 43-5 lead at the half.

Four Saints players broke into double digit scoring. Jasmine Ivory finished with 13 points, Alli Smith tallied 14 points, Tali Beard scored 16, and D’Asia Mitchell led the team with 18 points.

“I’m glad we ended on a good note,” Beard said. “We played team ball. It’s not something we always do because it’s hard. This is the best we’ve done all season.”

It was senior night for four Saints players, including Beard. She took part in the pregame ceremony with her teammates Sloane Young, Dionna Jackson and Jordan Waller.

The blowout punctuates Trinity’s season. Thursday’s season finale against Wilkinson Academy will not be played or rescheduled, and the Trinity will head directly to the first round of South State on Feb. 9.