Region 1-6A basketball semifinals held at South Panola
Photo: Demario Jones (23) of Lake Cormorant heads down court in Thursday’s game against Saltillo.
Thursday’s Region 1-6A basketball semifinals had Olive Branch and Lake Cormorant get wins in boys’ action, and Olive Branch and South Panola girls collecting victories.
Friday’s finals will determine seeding from the region for next week’s start of the MHSAA 6A playoffs. Both teams in the championship games will have the home floor in the first round.
Here are some quick recaps from each of the four semifinals games.
OLIVE BRANCH BOYS 80, GRENADA 40
Olive Branch dominated Grenada 80-38 in a lopsided contest, powered by a prolific offensive display in the first half. Cordell Smith led the Conquistadors with 23 points, including a torrid shooting stretch early in the game to help build a 46-19 halftime lead.
Olive Branch head coach Eric Rombaugh noted the importance of the early lead in a back-to-back schedule. Brody Jackson led Grenada with 15 points in the loss.
“We were able to rest some legs, but we’ve seen some good things that will translate tomorrow,” Rombaugh said. “We got out pretty early and did a lot of good things.”
LAKE CORMORANT BOYS 50, SALTILLO 41
Lake Cormorant secured a 50-41 playoff victory over Saltillo, fueled by a defensive masterclass in the second quarter. The Gators stifled Saltillo’s offense, holding them to a single field goal and just three points in the period.
Jaden McGregory anchored the win with a team-high 16 points. Gators coach Kendrick Davis lauded the freshman’s “even-keeled” demeanor, noting his maturity in critical moments. Despite the win, Davis emphasized the need for consistency.
“I’ll take a win any day, but we got to learn how to close out teams,” Davis said. “Once we get a lead, we have got to learn how to keep those leads, especially this time of the year, in the playoffs.”
Lennox White led Saltillo with 14 points.
OLIVE BRANCH GIRLS 69, GRENADA 48
Olive Branch secured a 69-48 playoff victory over Grenada, sparked by a dominant 25-8 first-quarter run. Caleigh Nix led the Lady Quistors with 24 points, while Vadaija Pimpton added 15. The win earns Olive Branch a spot in the finals and a first-round home game next week.
Head coach Jason Thompson emphasized the importance of the fast start in a high-stakes environment.
“When you can put a little pressure on the other team and cause the game to go to your side, that’s always a good thing,” Thompson said. “I’m glad we got the win. Definitely appreciative.”
Madison Woodard led the Lady Chargers with 15 points in the loss.
SOUTH PANOLA GIRLS 52, LAKE CORMORANT 49
South Panola edged Lake Cormorant 52-49 in a tightly contested matchup, despite a 21-point performance from Lady Gators standout Desirae Green. Lauren Norwood led the charge for the victors, finishing with 20 points.
Lake Cormorant head coach Angela Allen-Davis praised her team’s defensive execution, specifically highlighting the “scrappy” play of Jordan McGill. McGill finished with 12 points, including eight in the fourth quarter to keep the Lady Gators within reach.
“I’m definitely proud of them,” Allen-Davis said. “Tonight, we sat down, we locked in play. Good defense, stopped Norwood from getting inside, and we were able to get some offensive scores as well.”
The Lady Gators now shift their focus to a quick turnaround against Grenada in Friday’s third-place game.
