Area basketball teams begin postseason
Area basketball teams are opening postseason play this week, with multiple programs hoping for deep runs and state titles in their future.
In the MHSAA, the Germantown girls knocked off Madison Central on Monday night in the first round of the Region 2-7A tournament to end the Lady Jaguars' season. The Lady Mavericks fell in the region semifinals to Starkville on Tuesday night and will face-off against Clinton in the consolation game on Friday night in Tupelo.
On the boys side in Region 2-7A, Madison Central knocked out Clinton in the first round, before falling to Germantown in the semifinals by a score of 66-54. The Mavericks move to the region title game on Friday night against Starkville, while the Jaguars will play tournament hosts Tupelo on Friday in the region consolation game.
In 6A, the Ridgeland girls saw their season come to an end with a heartbreaking 33-32 loss to Columbus in the first round of the Region 2-6A tournament. The Ridgeland boys received a first round bye and will play Warren Central on Thursday at 8:30 PM at Neshoba Central.
Canton is hosting the Region 2-5A tournament and both teams will be opening their postseason journey on Wednesday night. The Canton boys will play Yazoo City in the tournament semifinals, which is a rematch of last year’s 5A state title game, while the Canton girls will face-off against Gentry in the semifinals.
In 2A, St. Andrew’s saw both of their teams earn first round byes for the Region 6-2A tournament, which they are hosting. The St. Andrew’s girls will open with a semifinal matchup against Pelahatchie on Thursday night at 7 PM, while the St. Andrew’s boys will play Raleigh at 8:30 PM.
In 1A, Velma Jackson opened the Region 6-1A tournament with a 42-41 loss to Nanih Waiya on the girls side and a 59-49 win over McAdams on the boys side. The Velma Jackson boys will play Nanih Waiya in the region title game, while the Lady Falcons will play Noxapater in the consolation game. Both games will be played at Velma Jackson on Friday night.
As for MAIS teams, 6A schools Jackson Prep, Jackson Academy, MRA, and St. Joseph are wrapping up their regular season this week, before beginning the MAIS 6A state tournament next week at Hartfield Academy.
In 4A, Tri-County Academy begins their postseason run on Wednesday night in the 4A North State tournament. The TCA boys open up against Amite School at 5:15 PM, while the TCA girls will play Bens Ford at 6:30 PM, with the entire North State tournament being played at Central Hinds Academy.
Canton Academy saw both of their team’s seasons come to an end in their respective district tournaments.