Behind a big night from Kahmaul Jones, Selma held off Central Hayneville to win their opening game in the Dallas County Classic basketball tournament.

Jones scored 20 points and added 13 rebounds for the Saints, who led the entire second half after taking a 30-22 lead into halftime.

“We got some transition baskets and we played just a little bit better,” Selma head coach Woodie Jackson said when asked what the difference was in the second half.

Selma’s lead was 40-36 late in the third quarter, but Dexter Hatcher started a key run by making a three-pointer and then getting an easy layup on a run out as the quarter ran down. Jones added a steal and a dunk, giving Selma a 47-36 after three quarters.

The Saints were able to hold on from there, taking a 16-point lead in the fourth before watching Hayneville battle back to make the final tally a tad closer.

“We are not satisfied with the way we played,” Jackson said. “I’m proud of the win but we still have a lot of work to do.”

The first half was a back and forth contest before a late 8-0 Selma run. The run was keyed by Michael Griffin, who made two layups during the stretch to help Selma turn a 22-22 game into an eight-point halftime lead.

Griffin scored 13 points for the Saints and Keyshawn Ford added 10. Terraris Saffold led the Jaguars with 19 points.

Jackson said his team will likely have to play a lot better Friday night when they take on Dallas County in the semifinals of the tournament at 9 p.m.

The Hornets are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A.