“We knew Jemison was going to come in and play hard. They are a senior-laden team with their season on the line,” Moore said. “Too, I think we out-thought ourselves in changing our plan to stop No. 3 (Jemison Trevon Bryant), because he is a good player and had hurt us in previous games.”

Moore said coaches changed their defensive strategy, taking a more team approach; a change the forced bad Jemison shots and Panther turnovers.

After leading by just on at the half, the Hornets finished the third quarter up by 15 and continued to pull away as Moore substituted players liberally.

In a reflection of the defensive changes, the Hornets held Jemison to just four points in the fourth quarter.

Dallas County sophomore William Lee led all scores with 27 points, while teammate Markell Harris contributed 18 points. Jerrod Moorer was another Hornet in double digits, with 10 points.

Jalen Hardnett led Jemison with 14 points, while Bryant chipped in 13 points.

The area championship game will be Monday at 6 p.m. at Dallas County High School.