By MAURICE SINGLETON/Sports Writer

PERKINSTON — The West Harrison Lady Hurricanes led West Jones at halftime, but the Lady Mustangs went on a 27-7 run, that started with just over a minute before halftime and running through the end of the third quarter.

That run was too much for the Lady Hurricanes to overcome as West Jones held on for a 51-44 win Saturday night in the Class 6A South State Quarterfinals here at Dantzler Arena on the campus of Gulf Coast Community College.

That run erased a seven-point West Harrison lead (23-16) to a 43-30 lead for the Lady Mustangs at the end of the third quarter. During the run, the Lady Mustangs turned up their defensive pressure, forcing seven turnovers, resulting in 14 points for the Lady Mustangs.

The Lady Hurricanes would fight back getting within seven (46-39) of the Lady Mustangs with three and a half remaining, but the Lady Mustangs’ run was too much for them to overcome.

West Jones would respond with 5-0 run to take a 51-41 lead, taking the wind out of any hopes of another Lady Hurricanes’ surge with a just over a minute left on the clock.

West Harrison’s coach Patty Norwood talked about how the Lady Mustangs pressure defense took them out of what they wanted to do: “It affected us, but we made our own mistakes. But that’s part of it, and that’s why you play. It’s part of the playoffs.

“I was proud of the way they played. I was proud of the effort they gave,” said Norwood. “I’m just sad for my seniors. They are great servant leaders, both on and off the court.”

West Jones coach Sharon Murray addressed the success of the pressure defense her team applied to stifle the Lady Hurricanes: “In the second half, we turned up our defensive intensity, and I think it made a difference.

“It means everything,” said Murray about her team going back to the Final Four after having won a state championship in 2023. “It’s a blessing. I thank God for going back again.”

West Jones was led by LaMirekal Russell with 16 points, followed Brooklyn Grady with 14 points and Jakera Ducksworth with 13 points.

Sydnei Barber led West Harrison with 17 points followed by Jalynn Applewhite with 13 points.

West Harrison season ended with a 25-6 record.

With the win West Jones improved to 26-4 on the season, and they advance to a Final Four matchup with Olive Branch at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning in Jackson.