Jackets advance to 6A State title game

JACKSON — They are back in the state title game.

Behind the first half shooting of Coltie Young and the always stingy defense, the Starkville Yellow Jackets ran past Harrison Central 70-53 in the semifinal round of the MHSAA Boys Class 6A playoffs at the Mississippi Coliseum on Wednesday night.

The Jackets (29-2) will have a chance to repeat as 6A State champions as they play for the championship on Saturday night at The Pavilion at Ole Miss at 7 p.m. They will be playing the Murrah Mustangs, who defeated Biloxi 63-50 in the final game Wednesday night.

“We had a lot of guys grow up this year and the chips fell our way,” SHS head coach Greg Carter said. “I'm proud of how the guys have worked. I thought we defended and rebounded really well.”

Young had 17 points to lead the Jackets, including 11 points in the first quarter as they raced out to a 20-11 lead at the end of first quarter.

“I felt like I came out heated and ready to play,” Young said. “I was just hoping I could knock down shots and play well on both ends of the floor and I did.”

Zeke Cook added 12 points for Starkville, including 10 in the second quarter as the Jackets built a 37-22 lead at halftime. SHS opened the third quarter on a 15-4 run to go up 52-26.

Jarmarvious Phillips chipped in 11 points for the Jackets and Forte Prater had 10 points.

One of the keys for Starkville was handling the Harrison Central size on the boards. The Jackets outrebounded the Red Rebels 42-35.

“Our biggest key was keeping them in front,” Carter said. “Harrison Central is one of the most physical teams we've played all year and we did a good job of keeping them off the boards. These kids have responded to every challenge we've giving them and to see them play for a state championship is great.”

Demarius Coleman had a game-high 25 points to lead Harrison Central (26-5).