Boys playoffs: Jefferson moves into AA Elite 8

JEFFERSON -- Darius Minor poured in 20 points and J.J. Damons added 18 to lead Jefferson to a 58-56 win over Westminster Wednesday in the second round of the Class AA state playoffs.

The Dragons (24-6) next will take on Region 5-AA champion Callaway Friday at 8:30 p.m. in Dalton in the Elite 8 round.

Jefferson led virtually the entire way. Westminster erased an 11-10 Jefferson lead with a 6-0 run to begin the second quarter. But the Dragons finished the first half on a 16-8 run for a 27-24 halftime lead.

Jefferson blew the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 16-6 in the period to lead 43-30. Westminster had one last rally, however, using an 8-0 run to begin the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 43-38 but never got closer than two the rest of the way.

The Dragons hit 5-of-9 free throws in the final minute to ice the game.

Penn signee Maalik Reynolds paced Westminster (15-14) with 19 points.