MONTICELLO – Improving with each playoff game, the LawrenceCounty Lady Cougars captured the South Mississippi Class 4A GirlsTournament championship Saturday night, edging the South Jones LadyBraves 68-60 in overtime. They were powered by junior guard TiariaGriffin’s 37 points.

Lawrence County (24-8) advances to the State Tournament atJackson’s Mississippi Coliseum. They’ll play North 4A runner-upPontotoc on Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. South Jones (28-3) plays North 4Achampion New Albany at 1 p.m.

On the backboards, LC’s Tyra Griffin grabbed 7 rebounds beforefouling out.

Tiaria Griffin was 12 of 14 from the free throw line, including aperfect 5-for-5 in overtime. She also had 9 rebounds.

South Jones center Keoshya Wilson scored 31 points in thelosos.

“Our girls have had a great tournament,” said LCHS coach VickiRutland. “They are peaking at the right time.

“I want to thank our fans for turning out,” added Rutland. “Theyhad the place rocking tonight.”

The Lady Braves erased a 6-point deficit in the fourth quarter togain a 52-52 deadlock at the end of regulation. They led 26-23 athalftime but LCHS outscored them 21-16 in the fourth quarter.