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Veteran head coach Linda Dear, who last reached the title game in 1996, has guided the Lady Cougars on an impressive postseason run, capped by a 57-46 victory over Jackson Academy in Tuesday’s semifinal at Mississippi College. The win marked Simpson’s ninth straight playoff triumph and improved the team’s record to 30-5.
Ranked No. 6 in Mississippi and No. 2 in MAIS, Simpson will face Madison-Ridgeland Academy in Tuesday’s championship matchup. MRA, the top-ranked MAIS team and No. 5 overall in the state, advanced with a semifinal win over East Rankin Academy.
Simpson and MRA have met three times this season, with MRA holding a 2-1 edge. Their most recent clash came in the regular-season finale. One of Simpson’s biggest highlights this year was a dramatic comeback win over MRA in the Class 4A South State Tournament, erased by a late basket from senior guard Jayda Smith.
Simpson is seeking its first Overall championship in school history.
Against Jackson Academy, Simpson controlled much of the game. The Lady Cougars led 14-9 after the first quarter, held a 30-25 advantage at halftime after JA briefly tied the game, and carried a 41-36 lead into the fourth quarter.
Smith led the charge with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists. Freshman Elle McNulty contributed 11 points and nine rebounds, continuing her strong postseason play. Maggie Shivers added 10 points and nine rebounds, while Brooke Blackledge anchored the boards with eight rebounds.
Simpson’s defensive effort proved pivotal, particularly in limiting JA’s top scoring threats. The Lady Cougars’ ability to generate stops and turn them into offense helped maintain control down the stretch.
Now, Simpson turns its focus to Madison-Ridgeland Academy with a championship on the line. After decades away from the Overall final, the Lady Cougars will have a chance to make school history.
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
Photos by: DeShea Walker
