Hunt, a 5-9 forward from Franklin County, led all Co-Lin scorers with 21 points, 8 rebounds, plus 3 steals and 2 assists. Holder, a 5-8 guard from Lumberton, pumped in 15 points (3 treys), grabbed 7 rebounds, made 5 steals and had 5 assists.

"We hustled tonight," said a smiling Hunt after the win. "We stepped it up. We rebounded real well."

Holder was also pleased with the win.

"We played a good game," stated Holder. "We have been working hard."

Co-Lin (25-3) meets Meridian tonight at 8 p.m. At 6, state champion Jones County tackles East Mississippi in the other semifinals game.

The men play afternoon semifinals games, beginning at the noon and 2 as Holmes faces East Mississippi and Itawamba meets Pearl River.

In the other women's games Tuesday, Meridian beat Itawamba 87-79, Jones County crushed Southwest 102-64 and East Mississippi clipped Northwest 47-44.

Rebounds were a key as Co-Lin led East Central off the backboards 23-17 at halftime. At the end, the Lady Wolves held a 39-38 advantage.

"East Central has a good team," said Co-Lin women's coach Gwyn Young. "It was a good win."

Co-Lin led East Central 31-25 at the half.

The Lady Wolves led all of the second half as the Lady Warriors chipped away at the lead to 5-points, 60-55, with 1:07 seconds left in the game.

Co-Lin went to the free throw line 11 times in the final 67 seconds and came away with 8 points to preserve the win.

The Lady Wolves rushed their offense at times but worked hard on the backboards and connected at the free throw line. "We took too many quick shots," added Young. "But we shot free throws good."

Co-Lin finished 27 of 35 on the night, going 8-9 in the first half. East Central was 15-19 overall and 7 of 9 in the first half.

Contributing to the Co-Lin win with 8 points and 6 rebounds was freshman guard Rachel Vigers. TeAirra Wilbert finished with 5 points and 4 assists.

The Lady Warriors, coached by Bill Smith, were led by Hannah Lee with 18 points. Mystee Dale followed with 17 points. Tops off the backboards was Rashima Jenkins with 10 rebounds.

Meridian 87, Itawamba 79

Meridian (22-8) was led by Tiara Parker and LaQuita Burrough with 22 points apiece. Shardae Johnson had 20 points.

Jones Co. 102, Southwest 64

Powering Jones County with 21 points was Ashley Lee. Consuela Tucker fired in 16 points.

Southwest was led by Ta'Keya Felder with 14 points. Following with 11 points was Octavia Bearden.

E. Miss. 47, Northwest 44

East Mississippi got 13 points from Angelique Burtts and 12 from Jasmine Abrams.

Tamara Wadlington led Northwest with 16 points.