CLINTON — It is all about survive and advance.
Even though it wasn’t pretty, Heritage Academy boys basketball coach Russ Whiteside will take it.
In a game filled with turnovers, Heritage Academy was able to run past Clinton Christian 64-45 in the second round of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Overall State Tournament at Mississippi College’s A.E. Wood Coliseum on Wednesday night.
Heritage Academy (33-4) will face Jackson Academy (23-11) in the semifinals at 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The Patriots, who lost in the semifinals of the tournament last season, are seeking their first Overall State title.
“It’s hard to come out and play at nine o’clock after waiting and sitting around all day ready to play,” said Whiteside, referring to the start of his team’s game being delayed more than two hours. “I thought we were sluggish to start off and played well in second and third quarter and picked things up. I’m proud of the kids, even though we didn’t play particularly well, we are back here on Friday with another chance.”
Heritage Academy never trailed. It led 14-10 after one quarter. The Patriots picked things up in the second quarter thanks to a 9-2 run to extend its lead to 23-12. It led 31-19 at halftime.
Heritage Academy opened the third quarter with an 11-1 run to extend its lead to 42-20. It led 47-25 entering the fourth quarter.
The Patriots committed 21 turnovers.
“Just playing sloppy and that’s it,” Whiteside said. “We better take care of the ball or we won’t be playing on Saturday for sure.”
Moak Griffin scored Heritage Academy’s first eight points. He had 13 of his game-high 16 points in the first half.
“We were focused coming off a tough win last night against (Jackson) Prep and I thought we played a little bit better tonight,” Griffin said. “Didn’t start out great, but (we) started clicking in the second and third quarter and shot the 3-pointer well.”
Cameron Bell didn’t have a good shooting game for the Patriots and had three points, but he grabbed 11 rebounds.
“Came out in the second half and just started rebounding better,” Bell said. “We had the size advantage in the post with me and Eli (Acker), but they doubled us so we can dish out and shoot.”
Heritage Academy defeated Jackson Academy 47-43 in the Heritage Shootout in December.
“They are always good, and their coach does a good job,” Whiteside said. “Super disciplined team with a lot of movement on offense and got some great players. There’s a reason they’re here because they are playing well.”
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