The 2018-2019 basketball season came an end for the J.Z. George girls and boys teams Tuesday at the Region 3-3A Tournament being played at Yazoo County High School.
The Jaguars put up a valiant effort as they fell 74-71 to Ruleville Central in a first-round game, ending their season at 6-20 overall. The Jags came in as the No. 5 seed and Ruleville was the fourth seed.
The Tigers trailed 26-24 to the Jaguars, who fell behind 45-38 by halftime. Ruleville went in front 61-54 by the end of the third period.
Devontae Smith paced the Jaguars with 20 points. Kendrick Glover tacked on 16, and Caesa Glenn had 14 points.
The Lady Jaguars were no match for third-seeded Humphreys County, which prevailed 75-26. The Cowgirls led 18-4 after one, 38-11 at the half and 58-21 after the third period.
J.Z. George (2-25) was led by Dekeria Walls' 10 points. Tyeshia Grant had eight, and Tashanda Fleming notched six points.
J.Z. George concluded its regular season at Ruleville Central on Feb. 8. The Lady Jaguars dropped a 60-18 decision to the Lady Tigers, who led 23-5 after the first, 41-9 at the half and 46-16 after the third frame.
Fleming led the Lady Jags with 13 points. Grant had four points.
The Jaguars dropped an 82-60 decision to the Tigers, who trailed 15-14 after one quarter of play. Ruleville came back to lead 32-25 at the half and 51-46 after the third. The Tigers put the game away with a 31-14 run in the fourth quarter.
Glenn had 18 points, and Malik Branch notched 11 for the Jags. Glover had eight points.
In games from Feb. 5 at home against Amanda Elzy, the Lady Jaguars lost 52-41 as they rallied from 17 down after the third period with a 13-7 advantage in the final eight minutes. Elzy led 17-7 after one and 27-12 at the half.
Fleming led J.Z. George with 14 points. Walls had eight, Grant seven and Natajah Basin six points.
In the boys game, Elzy posted a 63-52 win as the Panthers pulled away in the fourth period. The Jaguars kept it close for three quarters as they only trailed 16-13 after one, 32-31 at the half and 48-47 after the third frame.
Smith and De'Anthony McGlothan had 13 points each for J.Z. George. Jordun Normal tallied seven points.
