The fifthnranked WilcoxnCentral Jaguars got more than they bargained for Thursday night in the first round of the Class 5A, Area 3 Tournament.

The Greenville Tigers (17n10) kept pace with the Jaguars throughout the fastnpaced contest, but couldn't pull it out in the end as they lost 53n45 putting an end to their season.

"They played hard without a doubt," GHS Head Coach Randy Fullington said. "We missed way too many layups and wide open shots in the second half. In big games, you've got to make the easy shots and some of the tough ones on top of it to win. You can't miss layups and win ballgames in this league."

The Tigers shot 16nofn51 from the floor for 31 percent and was 9nofn20 from the free throw line.

Senior Forward and University of Texas signee Michael Williams led Wilcox with a gamenhigh 16 points. Allen Crumpton chipped in with 14 points, including three baskets from beyond the arc, and Anthony Price added 11 points.

"They're the big three without a doubt," WCHS Head Coach Mark Dukes said of his three star players. "We've got to keep something going with those guys. We've got to go back, readjust our offense and get a lot more movement in it and maybe it will be a better turnout on Saturday."

Crumpton, who hit several key three pointers down the stretch, believes his teammates stepped up and played well.

"Overall, I think we did a pretty good job," Crumpton said. "I know we can do better, but we won. We'll take a win however we can get it."

Wilcox's Head Coach Mark Dukes disagrees. He believes the Jaguars have played better games.

"It was an ugly win, we didn't play our game at all," he said. "We started off well, but we broke the rhythm some how and couldn't really get back in it. We didn't get a good defensive effort particularly from our post players. Through all that we found a way to win. I'm satisfied with the win, but I'm disappointed with our play. We're lucky to come out with a win."

Dukes said Williams, Crumpton and Price's play was one of the keys in the win.

Senior Andrew Tomlin led Greenville's offense with 14 points. As was Crumpton, Tomlin was proud of the Tigers' effort.

"I think this was a team effort," Tomlin said after the game. "We made good shots and we made bad shots. I think what we needed to work on was staying in the game the whole entire game. The last two minutes, we kind of fell off just a little bit. I thought we played very well."

Junior Devoski McMeans was the only other Greenville player in double figures with 12 points.

Although it didn't end as planned, Fullington was pleased with the season.

"I'm very, very proud of the season that we had," Fullington said. "I'm proud of our seniors. I think our success this year has everything to do with the seniors and leadership we have. To get this team to 17 wins, to me, is a great accomplishment. It was still a very successful season."