State hoops heating up
FACS clinched the top seed from the DII-A West region on a game-winning half-court buzzer-beater from TJ Thomas, who was named tournament MVP.
With the 53-51 win over Lausanne, the Crusaders (26-3) earned a bye in the first round of the state tournament and are one win from their second state semifinal appearance.
“When you make school history and win that region, you’ve got to show your players you appreciate them,” coach Dee Wilkes said in a video, showing boxes of Nike sneakers.
“I told them if they win, I’ve got something special for them. Everybody gets a pair.”
Lausanne hosts CPA on Wednesday night in the first round of the state tournament. If the Lynx win they’ll travel to Knoxville Grace on Saturday.
Olive Branch, Southaven, Center Hill make quarterfinals
Olive Branch and Center Hill, which played for last year’s MHSAA Class 5A state title, advanced to the state quarterfinals in their respective classifications. Southaven (14-14) is also in after beating Greeneville.
Olive Branch, which is now in 6A, is set to take on Starkville on Saturday at Mississippi Valley State at 7 p.m. Southaven plays Murrah at 8:30.
Center Hill, which is in Class 5A, will play Cleveland Central on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Itawamba Community College.
Briarcrest, Christian Brothers one win from DII-AA semifinals
Briarcrest and Christian Brothers earned first-round byes in the DII-AA tournament and are in Saturday’s quarterfinals. The defending champion Saints will host the winner of the Musfather Ryan game. Christian Brothers will travel to Montgomery Bell Academy.
District tournament sweeps
Four teams won their district tournaments on both the boys and girls sides: Arlington in 14-AAA, B.T. Washington in 15-A, Covington in 15-AA and Whitehaven in 16-AAA. Westwood (16A) and Houston (15-AAA), whose boys and girls teams were playing for championships Tuesday night, also had the opportunity to sweep their district tournament.