FAYETTE — Christan Day dashed into the lane, skipped to his right and converted a layup high off the backboard over the arms of an outstretched defender.

The highlight basket was just one of a slew of nifty plays from the senior point guard as he led Jefferson County High School to a 64-55 win over Seminary High School Wednesday night in the opening round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs.

The basket proved to be a pivotal one as the Tigers (12-11) saw a double-digit halftime lead evaporate to just six points before the score.

Jefferson County led 46-22 after two periods, but was outscored 11-0 to start the second half.

“That’s a sign of being undisciplined,” Jefferson County coach Marcus Walton said. “Guys came out relaxed — thinking that the ball game is over with. One thing about it, this time of year, everyone is playing for that gold ball (the state title).”

With momentum shifting, the Tigers turned to their senior playmaker. Day scored 15 of his team-high 18 points in the second half, perhaps when his team needed him the most.

“Christan is a proven leader,” Walton said. “He’s been starting for me since he was a sophomore. He knows what I need, and he’s my coach on the floor. He knows when things are not right and what I need from him. (Wednesday) he really stepped up.”

Day added four assists and four rebounds in turning in a strong all-around effort.

“Me being the senior, I have to do whatever it takes to help my team win,” Day said. “It feels good to get the win. Last year, we made it to the first round of the playoffs but lost. Now, we’re just trying to make it further than we did last year.”

Jefferson County stormed out of the gates to take a 24-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Josh Day, Christian’s brother, alongside Akeem Williams each led the charge as the two combined to score 18 first-half points.

“I dreamed about (advancing),” Williams said. “I told the guys to work hard in practice, and it will lead to the game.”

Williams said the second-half lull was due to a lack of focus.

“We stopped keeping it simple and backed off,” he said. “We just need to keep doing things the way we started the game.”

Williams ended the game with seven points, while Josh Day had 11. Jeffery Mims chipped in with 10 points.

Seminary was led in scoring by Wendell Crosby with 18 points.

Jefferson County will host Forest High School Saturday. Forest defeated St. Andrews High School 42-37 Wednesday night.

“Hopefully this will be a lesson,” Walton said. “Home-court advantage. We were blessed to get out of the region tournament with the No. 1 seed. That gives us another home game, and that’s always a blessing … It’ll be a tough challenge, but we’ll be ready.”