Olive Branch Edges West Jones 41–40, Advances to 6A State Championship

Olive Branch survived a furious fourth-quarter rally Monday morning, holding off West Jones 41–40 in the MHSAA Class 6A girls semifinals to punch its ticket to Thursday’s state championship game.

The Lady Conquistadors (20-of-43 shooting) built a 20–13 halftime lead and carried a 29–21 advantage into the fourth quarter after a last-second layup by Caleigh Nix closed the third. But West Jones stormed back with a 19-point final period to nearly steal it.

West Jones (16-of-40 from the field) tied the game at 35-35 with just over three minutes remaining after chipping away at the deficit behind Lamirekal Russell and Dakathyion Sinegal. Nix answered with a deep three-pointer to reclaim the lead, and Olive Branch’s defense held firm in the final seconds to preserve the one-point victory.

Nix and Vadaija Pimpton each scored 15 points to pace Olive Branch. Nix added six rebounds and three assists, while Pimpton controlled the paint with eight rebounds and three steals despite battling foul trouble in the fourth quarter. Chloe Dorsey contributed six points, and Ivy Selph knocked down a three-pointer for three points.

Russell and Sinegal led West Jones with 14 points apiece. Russell added seven rebounds and four free throws, while Sinegal connected on six field goals, including the team’s lone three-pointer.

West Jones outrebounded Olive Branch 29–24 and shot 7-of-15 from the free-throw line, while Olive Branch finished 3-of-6 at the stripe. The Lady Conquistadors offset that with efficient shooting inside the arc and timely defensive stops down the stretch.

A late concern arose when senior guard Ivy Selph was shaken up in the final minutes. Her status for Thursday remains uncertain.

Olive Branch will now face Neshoba Central in Thursday’s Class 6A state championship game. Head coach Jason Thompson moves one win away from his 10th career girls state title, which would extend his state record.