Royals Advance to Regional Championship

Thursday-Jay hosted Bethlehem in the first round of the FHSAA playoffs and came away with the win, 46-34. Jay overcame some cold shooting early on and played through a liberally called game. From the tip, it was evident that the officials were going to let the players play and that stayed true throughout the game.

Tristan Watson got the game going early on hitting two 3’s in the first quarter to get the capacity crowd to its feet. Mason Allen added a three as well as the Royals looked as if they would score at will on Bethlehem, taking a 13-8 lead into the second quarter. The second quarter, however, would not be as kind as the Royals had trouble converting, scoring only six in the second quarter.

Up 19-17 going into the third quarter, Jay would break even with Bethlehem, 10-10 in the third. Bethlehem would briefly take the lead in the period.

The Royals offense would start to roar in the fourth quarter as Watson would score 6, Sammy Melvin would add a three, and Ethan Mcdonald scored six as well, converting 4 of 6 free throws. Jay’s defense would stifle their opponent, allowing only three baskets for the Wildcats.

Next up for Jay is the regional championship on Tuesday against Chipley at 7:00pm.

BHS 8 9 10 7-34

JHS 13 6 10 17-46

(S. Melvin 6, T. Watson 16, E. Mcdonald 12, B. Godwin 2, M. Allen 6, M. Skipper 4)