FOREST —     Jasmine Bush grabbed the ball and toed the free-throw line. Looking at the rim 15 feet away, she bounced the ball twice and let it fly. The ball soared through the air and into the basket. Fifteen seconds later, the Tigers celebrated with coach Joe Miller.

    Southeast Lauderdale is headed to "The Big House" for the eighth time in the past nine years as it survived a grueling contest with Division 5-3A rival Newton 68-61 in the MHSAA Class 3A South State semifinals Friday at Dunyard Smith Gymnasium.

    "This was a game that I hated to see someone lose," Miller said. "Both teams played extremely well and deserved to win tonight."

    Tay Ruffin scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Southeast. Bush added 13 points and 16 rebounds, while Tynecia Newell and Kemesha Pringle each scored eight points for SEL.

    "Jasmine has been huge for us all year long," Miller said. "Tonight, she was determined to dominate the boards."

    Tynika Bender led Newton with 22 points, while Shafony Blaylock added 15. Newton coach Crandal Porter said his team came a long way from where they were few weeks ago.

    "A few weeks ago, I had a team of shelfish individuals that didn't want to play together as a team," he said. "Tonight, we came full circle and played like a champion tonight."

    The Newton coach went on to say this year wasn't on par with previous Newton clubs but they saved their best ball for last.

    "If there was ever a year to get us, this year was it," Porter said. "We only lose a few seniors and we have a lot coming up from junior high. We will reload and be back next year.

    "Even if this team wasn't as good as my other teams, this team was still playing for Jackson tonight. They didn't quit and I'm proud of them."

    The first half was a race as both team ran up and down the floor. Southeast managed to shoot 52 percent from the floor (12 of 23) while Newton shot 34 percent (10 of 29) in the first half. Turnovers were the equalizer in the opening two periods as Newton forced 14 Southeast turnovers keeping the halftime score at 29-27. Southeast finished the game with 25 turnovers.

    "That's Southeast basketball," Miller said. "One minute we are turning it over and the next we are making beautiful passes to the open man for layups."

    In the second half, the two teams slowed down into a half court affair that saw Southeast shoot 62 percent (13-21) while Newton shot 40 percent (12-30). The key statistic was 3-point shooting. Southeast made only two in the first half while Newton failed to make one. In the second half, however, Newton torched the nets from 3 to the tune of 8 of 14. Southeast attempted only one 3 and missed it.

    Southeast led by as many as eight in the second half. As soon as Southeast would get a big lead, Newton would hit a 3 to close back in. The Tigers hit four 3-pointers in a row to tie the game at 57 with less than 2 minutes left in the game. While Newton was on fire from the outside, Southeast was on fire from the charity stripe. The Tigers hit 14 of 19 free throws in the second half to preserve the win.

    "My girls made big plays down the stretch with the 3s," Porter said. "Give Southeast credit, everytime we got close, they made the plays when they needed them to push the lead back out."

    Southeast improves to 25-8 on the year, while Newton ends their season at 16-14. Southeast advances to today's South State championship game against Choctaw Central. The Tigers haven't fared well against their longtime rival — three losses this year and 10 in a row — but Miller said everytime Choctaw Central and Southeast play, fireworks are going to fly.

    "This division produces tough teams every year," Miller said. "This year we had us, Choctaw and Newton. It's a shame someone has to be the team on the outside looking in."

    

Choctaw Central    65

Franklin County    52

    Kristin Dixon saved her best performance of the year for the South State tournament. The junior had a double-double of 17 points and 18 blocks as the Warriors advanced for the third straight year to "The Big House" in Jackson. LaShayla McMillan and Audrey Jimmy each scored 13 points for Choctaw Central. Kl'Arra Sykes and Kierra Collins each scored 15 points for Franklin County.

    "We are headed back to Jackson," Choctaw coach Willis Tullos said. "I can't believe it.

    "These girls have worked hard and it's great to see their dream come true."

    The Warrior defense was stiffling as they held Franklin County to 8 of 30 shooting (26 percent) in the first half. The Warriors ended up shooting 42 percent in the first half as they led 34-21 at the intermission. Choctaw had a tough time dealing with Fanklin County's press but found a way to beat it for easy baskets.

    "Their press had us beat for a little while," Tullos said. "We finally found a way to break it and we utilized it."

    In the second half, Choctaw caught fire as they shot 13 of 27 (48 percent) in the final two periods and 45 percent (24 of 53) for the game.

    While Dixon dominated the lane, McMillan and Jimmy kept the Fanklin County defense on their toes with their slashing, dribbling and passing. Tullos said the two have had to play major minutes becasue of injuries to key players.

    "They are playing senior roles on this team as youngsters," Tullos said. "They have handled it well and give us their all each game."

    The Warriors' strong play caused them to race out to a 19-point lead heading into the final period 56-37. Franklin County made a small run early in the fourth to cut the lead to 56-47. Willis called timeout and Franklin County never got any closer.

    "We normally shoot 80 percent from the free throw line so tonight was rough for us," Tullos said as the Warriors made just 13 of 21.

    Tullos said the team wants to win tonight when they take on rival Southeast Lauderdale, a 68-61 winner againstNewton, but Friday's game was the biggest game of the year.

    "You want to afford yourself an opportunity to play for a state championship," Tullos said. "Tonight, we did just that."