Lady Jackets Cruise Into 7A Quarterfinals

STARKVILLE - Starkville cruised past Hernando in the first round of the 2026 MHSAA Class 7A State Playoffs on Friday with a 72-11 thumping at The Nest.

SHS started fast with a 33-1 first quarter and took a 52-6 lead at halftime. The Lady Jackets held the Tigers to six free throws in the first 16 minutes.

Four Lady Jackets reached double figures in the scoring column, led by juniors Logan Warren and Zariah Brown, who both poured in 14 points each. Senior Jade Brown added 11 points, while junior Yasmine Roberts turned in 11 points off the bench.

Senior Jada Gay, who was recently named the 20226 7A Miss Basketball, scored eight points and pulled doen four rebounds in 12 minutes of action. Junior Kameron Holmes registered eight points off the bench.

SHS advances to the quarterfinal round on Thursday, Feb. 26 in Itta Bena, Miss. on the Mississippi Valley State campus. The Lady Jackets will face Clinton fo the fourth time this season. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.