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The Simpson Academy Lady Cougars pulled off one of the most stunning wins of the MAIS basketball postseason Thursday afternoon, erasing a massive deficit to defeat top-ranked Madison-Ridgeland Academy 48–46 in overtime in the Class 4A South semifinals at Copiah Academy.
Simpson trailed by as many as 24 points before mounting a relentless comeback, holding MRA scoreless late and forcing overtime. Senior guard Jayda Smith led the rally, scoring 20 points and hitting the go-ahead jumper with just seconds remaining. Eighth-grader Gracie Pinkerton sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final moments.
The victory marked Simpson’s first win over MRA this season and snapped the Lady Patriots’ long winning streak. Simpson, now 25–5, advances to the Class 4A championship game, while MRA will play for third place.
Head coach Linda Dear praised her team’s toughness and belief, calling the performance one of the greatest comebacks she has witnessed in her career.
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