When the Dallas County Hornets take the floor at Alabama State University’s Acadome, the season will be on the line.

The Hornets (24-4, ranked No. 7 in Class 4A) will take on the Sumter Central Jaguars Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in Montgomery in a Class 4A Central Regional semifinal game, where a loss would mean the end of the season for either team.

Willie Moore, head coach of the Hornets, said the Jaguars are a team that does a number of different things well.

“They’re very athletic, they attack the basket real well offensively,” Moore said. “They rebound the ball well and they have very good guard play. Their post players can step out and shoot it. They’ll have five people on the floor that can get their own shot.”

The Hornets have a significant weapon in the middle in 6-8 sophomore center William Lee.

Moore said Lee’s rebounding ability will be a key factor in the game, while the Jaguars will try to slow him offensively.

“I think as far as rebounding the ball, he’s going to be a big factor in the ball game,” Moore said. “I think they’re going to do a pretty good job of avoiding him. I don’t think he’ll have a lot of blocked shots. Defensively they’re probably going to double him. Some of our other guys are going to have to step up and contribute big in the ball game.”

Moore said the Hornets will also depend on strong play from their leader on the floor—senior point guard Aimal Hayes.

“Our point guard is a three-year starter and I feel like he’s the best point guard around here,” Moore said. “As he goes, so goes us. I’m looking forward to him being able to run the show and I don’t think he’ll have any stage fright because he’s used to it.”

Moore said the Hornets will have to play a complete game and minimize mistakes to win.

“We’re going to have to be sound on defense, we’re going to have to take good shots, control tempo and avoid turnovers,” Moore said.