The Demopolis Tigers went up against the Greenville Tigers in the first around of the area tournament Friday night, and came up just short, losing 42-39.

Demopolis jumped out to an early lead, due in large part to a lot of defensive pressure they put on Greenville. Demopolis led 9-6 at the end of the first quarter behind 5 points from senior Tommy Wilson.

In the second quarter, Greenville settled into a groove offensively and Demopolis could not find the basket, and Greenville took a 16-14 lead into halftime.

Demopolis came out firing in the third quarter and took the lead back, and put a little bit of space between themselves and Greenville. Demopolis had a 27-22 lead going into the final quarter.

In the fourth, Greenville battled back and took a lead with five minutes to play in the game, 35-34. Demopolis later tied the game at 36, but Greenville got the lead back with 38.7 seconds left on the clock, 38-36. An empty possession by Demopolis followed by free throws by Greenville left Demopolis down by four with just 27.3 to play.

Wilson went down the floor on the ensuing possession and nailed a three-pointer to bring his team back within one, 40-39. Demopolis fouled, and Greenville knocked down both free throws to bring the lead back up to three points with just 7.3 seconds left on the clock.

Demopolis head coach Rodney Jackson drew up a play for Wilson to take the final shot to try to tie the game, but his three-pointer was off the mark and Greenville got the win.

“We had a good week at practice and a good gameplan,” Jackson said, “but we just didn’t make shots that we normally make. My hat’s off to Greenville. They’re moving on and I’m happy for them.”

Wilson led Demopolis in scoring with 15 points. Jackson had high praise for his lone senior.

“Tommy gave me everything this year,” he said. “He took the final shot tonight, and that was fitting. I’m going to miss having him around next year.”

Demopolis finishes the season with a record of 14-12, which is the first winning season for the boys basketball team at DHS since 2008.

For the Greenville Tigers, Marlon Davidson led them in scoring with 13 points. They will face the Sumter Central Jaguars on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the area championship game.