BESSEMER — For the eleventh time in 13 years, the Selma Saints are heading to the regional round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs.

Jamya Smith scored 17 points to lead Selma past Bessemer City Monday night 50-48 and onto Montgomery for the Central Regional.

“The kids came out and played their hearts out,” said Selma head coach Anthony Harris. “They didn’t want to go home.”

Selma (26-5) led by 40-37 after three quarters and had a five point lead in the closing minutes before turning the ball over on multiple possessions. Still, the Saints were able to hang on and advance.

Jacquetta Dailey scored 10 points and brought down five rebounds for Selma and Areyana Williams had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds too.

Charmekia Moore also had six rebounds to go along with four points.

The Saints overcame 20 turnovers, a problem that has plagued the team most of the season.

“We stood the test, but we got rattled a little bit,” Harris said.

Selma will play John Carroll in Montgomery at noon on Thursday at Alabama State University. John Carroll defeated Opelika 100-99 in double overtime Monday night to advance.

Last season Selma advanced to the Central Regional final before losing to Homewood. A win Thursday would get the Saints back to that round of the playoffs.