JACKSON — Itta Bena turned out in full force for Leflore County’s first trip to the Big House in 36 years.
And the hundreds of red-clad fans were rewarded with one heck of a game — and more importantly, one that ended with Leflore’s first state tournament win since winning a Class A championship in 1973.
It was only fitting that the Leflore crew got its money’s worth with a game that wasn’t decided until the final second.
With his team down 52-51, senior Joe McGee was fouled on a putback with one second left on the Mississippi Coliseum clock. He knocked down both free throws to hand the Tigers a dramatic 53-52 victory over Madison St. Joseph here Friday in the state 2A quarterfinals.
St. Joe coach Michael Howell called a timeout before McGee stepped to the line. Leflore coach Jeremy Gilbert kept his message simple for McGee, who the coach said is about a 50-percent foul shooter.
“He’s been up and down from the line all year. I just told him this was his time to shine, and Joe came through in the clutch.”
McGee, who finished with seven points and five rebounds, said he was nervous inside, but he looked calm as he hit nothing but net on both shots.
“Once I made the first one, I knew I would make the second,” McGee said.
“I knew it was game over when (McGee) got fouled,” said Leflore’s Tyrone Payne. “I just knew he was going to step up and keep our season alive.
“It’s a great feeling to be a part of something special. It was good to see our town show up today because that means a lot to us.”
Leflore (24-6), winner of seven straight, advances to the semifinals Tuesday to face Coahoma County (24-6) at 1:30. Coahoma defeated Amite County 47-43 on Friday.
Leflore is 0-2 against Coahoma County this season, falling 53-31 and 48-29 during the first eight games of the season.
Gilbert said Coahoma will see a much different team the third time around.
“Our chemistry wasn’t set that early in the season. We have since found our identity and are clicking on all cylinders,” said the second-year Leflore coach and Tiger alumnus. “The big thing for us is to slow down the game and make them play at our pace.”
The other semifinal pits South Delta (26-4) against Bay Springs (25-3) at noon Tuesday. The 2A championship game is set for 3 p.m. Friday.
The Tigers outscored the Bruins 18-14 in the fourth period — snapping their 17-game win streak and ending their season at 24-7.
Senior Willie Dixon came off the bench to give Leflore quite a spark — scoring a team-high 17 points and pulling down seven rebounds. He was 3 of 3 from long range.
Senior Darius McGlung added 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jadarius Harris chipped in with 14 points.
Senior point guard Gabe Watson pumped in a game-high 30 points, right around his season average, for the Bruins.
“I said before the season that we were going to surprise some folks,” said Gilbert, whose team was 12-18 last season.
After a 4-4 start to the season, there might have been some who thought Gilbert was wrong. But his team hits its stride by winning 13 of the next 14 and now the Tigers are two wins away from a state crown.
“We are still surprising folks, and it’s March,” Gilbert said, “and we aren’t finished yet.”
• Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
The original version of the article reported the incorrect classification for which Leflore County High won a state championship in 1973.
