By MAURICE SINGLETON/Sports Writer

GULFPORT — The Biloxi Lady Indians went on a 21-point run sparked by seven 3-point plays on their way to a 45-19 win over St. Martin to clinch the Region 4 7A Championship on Friday.

The Lady Indians trailed the Lady Yellow Jackets 4-0 to start the contest, but they responded with a 6-point run of their own, capped by two in the paint from their sophomore star Zaniya Johnson. Yvette Nathan tied the game at 6-6 for the Lady Yellow Jackets on a layup, but that was as close as the game would get the rest of the way.

Biloxi closed out the first quarter sinking three 3-pointers on consecutive possessions. Senior Aaliyah Davison got the run started, then Na’Kenya Terry dropped the second from behind the arch, and then Aubrey Hill drained another.

Johnson closed out the first quarter scoring on a layup and getting fouled and making the free throw. The Lady Indians led 18-8 at the end of the first quarter.

“Our team is in a very good place right now,” said Johnson after clinching the championship. “We dominated on the inside and outside tonight. We have a lot of energy.

“I am so excited,” said Johnson. “I have worked so hard to get here, traveling with my showcase team, my AAU team, and putting in the work to help give my team the best advantage.”

The Biloxi 3-point run would continue in the second quarter as Hill would sink her second of the night to open the Lady Indians’ scoring in the period. Jayla Carriere would get in on the 3-point run, and Hill added her third 3-pointer of the night in the period before closing out the Lady Indians’ first-half scoring with a layup.

The Lady Indians led 29-13 at halftime, and they would only allow St. Martin six second half points, while putting up 16 points of their own (8 points in the third quarter and 8 points in the fourth quarter).

Hill led the Lady Indians with 16 points on the night, followed by Johnson with 14 points. Kylenn Ward led St. Martin with 10 points.

Biloxi (26-1) will host Oak Grove (12-17) to open the Class 7A South State playoffs. St. Martin (23-5) will host Meridian (17-10) on Thursday night.