JACKSON — Size and momentum seemed to work against Wayne County from the opening tip in Tuesday’s Class 5A semifinals matchup with Canton. The Tigers pulled ahead early and never surrendered the lead in a 64-44 win to end the War Eagles’ season.

A 3-pointer by junior Jerborie Payton gave Wayne County its only lead two minutes into the contest, which momentarily silenced a crowd that was overwhelmingly pro-Tigers. Sound defense allowed the War Eagles to keep it close throughout the first quarter, but a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Canton’s Deandre Lewis gave the Tigers a 15-9 advantage and a wave of momentum entering the second period.

A 14-0 run allowed Canton to pull ahead 36-15 by the half, and despite a few flashes of offensive brilliance down the stretch, the War Eagles were never able to cut the deficit back below 15 points.

Rashodrick Harris led Wayne County with 15 points, followed by Sadarrius Howard with 11 points as the War Eagles went down swinging against a stronger opponent.

Wayne County finished with a 22-6 overall record, going 11-1 in region play to claim the Region 4-5A title. Head coach Robby Walters said his team’s effort to the bitter end was admirable, and he’s excited to return most of his roster next fall with a taste of what it will take to win on the biggest stage.

“Canton has a great team, and we got ourselves into a hole early,” Walters said. “Against a team like that, it was very difficult, and we were a little overmatched playing from behind. I’m still proud of our guys for fighting and playing hard.”

Canton will face longtime-rival Yazoo City for the Class 5A state championship Friday at 8 p.m.

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