By SAM STAFF/Sports Writer

CARRIERE — The home-standing Pearl River Central boys came up with their biggest win of the season Monday night.

And it came at just the right time.

The Blue Devils knocked off Jackson Forrest Hill 37-29 in the final game of the opening day at the Region 3-6A Tournament taking place on the PRC campus. The win allows head coach Scott Stephens’ squad to stave off the end of the season for at least two more outings, and also move into the semifinal round of the annual affair to face top-seed Hattiesburg Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m.

The Blue Devils trailed the Patriots 26-23 entering the fourth period but rallied for the big win by out-scoring FHHS 14-3 down the stretch.

J.J. Feaster scored five points in that decisive fourth frame for PRC, while Jack Jenkins and Dawson Kennedy added four points apiece.

Feaster led the Blue Devils with eight points in the win, while both Kennedy and Konner Cazenave each added seven points apiece for PRC.

Quaylin Sims scored eight points over the first three quarters for Forrest Hill to help guide the Patriots to that aforementioned three point lead leading into the final period and setting up the chaotic comeback for PRC.

The win assured PRC of a berth in the upcoming Class 6A South State playoffs and also ensures that even if they don’t get a home game to open up the playoffs they will end up somewhere else in the “Southern Six” in the first round.

The Lady Devils fought hard as well to keep their season alive but in the end just weren’t as quite as fortunate as their male counterparts as they fell to Hattiesburg 39-27.

Kela Holliman had a game-high 13 points for the Lady Tigers as they move on to the semifinals.

Caitlyn Cruz scored 10 points for PRC.