Warren Central has advanced to the MHSAA Class 6A boys’ basketball state tournament three years in a row. It’s got one more chance to make it four.

Joseph Dupree scored 21 points, Kenard Bowie had 20, and Murrah beat the Vikings 67-52 on Tuesday in the semifinals of the Region 4-6A tournament in Jackson.

Murrah built a 15-point lead at halftime. Warren Central was able to cut it to seven with less than two minutes to play, but ran out of gas. A couple of missed shots and turnovers allowed Murrah to score some easy baskets and put the game away.

Dupree and Bowie scored 13 of the Mustangs’ 20 points in the fourth quarter.

Jabari Bowman led Warren Central with a game-high 25 points, and Daniel Smothers scored 13.

Murrah (15-10) advanced to the championship game Friday night against Madison Central (13-14). Warren Central (12-13) will play Clinton (21-7) in the consolation game at 5:30 p.m. Friday, with the winner moving on to the state tournament and the loser’s season coming to an end.

Clinton beat Warren Central twice during the regular season, 54-44 on Jan. 7 and 82-57 on Jan. 28.

In the girls’ tournament, Warren Central will play either Madison Central or Murrah in the consolation game at 4 p.m., while Clinton will play Madison Central or Murrah in the championship game at 7.

All of the tournament games are at Murrah High School in Jackson.

REGION 4-6A TOURNAMENT
At Murrah High School
Monday
(G) Clinton 67, Warren Central 29
(B) Madison Central 66, Clinton 55
Tuesday
(G) Murrah 54, Madison Central 44
(B) Murrah 67, Warren Central 52
Friday
4 p.m. – Warren Central vs. Madison Central, girls consolation game
5:30 p.m. – Warren Central vs. Clinton, boys consolation game
7 p.m. – Murrah vs. Clinton, girls championship game
8:30 p.m. – Murrah vs. Madison Central, boys championship game
Note: The top three teams advance to the MHSAA Class 6A state tournament