Kevin Odom, USA TODAY NETWORK -- Tennessee Published 10:22 p.m. CT Feb. 20, 2017 | Updated 7 hours ago

Haywood's Markeston Douglas goes over Liberty Tech's Curtis Cross for a block during their game Monday evening.(Photo: KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)Buy Photo

Haywoods Tristan Jarrett put the Tomcats on his back and carried them to the District 15-AA tournament title with a 55-52 win over Liberty on Monday night in a crowded gymnasium at Liberty Tech.

Jarrett led the Tomcats to victory with 23 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

When we (Haywood) lost (Dedric) Boyd for the season, we had to move Tristan to the point and asked him to do a lot for this team, said Haywood coach Kendall Dancy. He makes us go, and he has done a great job in leading this team in the second half of the season.

Both teams played aggressive and effective defense from tip-off to the final whistle, keeping point totals for both teams low.

When you get two teams that play defense like Liberty and ourselves, it can be tough to score points, and that was evident tonight, Dancy said. Liberty is well-coached by Terrell Green, and they get after you.

Tomcat freshman post player Markeston Douglas played a key defensive role under the basket as well. He finished the game with four blocks, but his presence made Liberty players alter their shots around the basket as well. Douglas also had eight points and five rebounds.

Libertyscored four points in the third quarter after battling to a 24-24 halftime tie, which made for a long road to come back in the fourth quarter.But to their credit the Crusaders narrowed the lead to three points at 54-51 but ran out of time.

The Crusaders were led by Shermar Henderson with 14 points (all in the second half) and DJ Bond with 12 points.

Maybe the most impressive thing about the game was the environment in Libertys gym. The stands were packed with fans supporting both teams and enjoying an exciting game.

I can say that Haywood Tomcat fans are the greatest fans in high school basketball. They support us wherever we play, and that is great for these players, said a jubilant Dancy after the game.

Ripley 62, North Side 57: In the consolation game Ripley used a 16-0 run to start the second quarter to pull in front of North Side early and then held on to win third place by five points, 62-57.

Ripleys Famous Jones put on an offensive show with circus moves under the goal and long range 3-pointers as he scored a game-high 29 points.

North Side was led by Alantae Peterson with 13 points.

Haywood's Dillon Dancy celebrates after a successful three-pointer during their game, Monday evening against Liberty Tech.(Photo: KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)

Haywood's Keithon Powell goes up for a layup during Monday night's game against Liberty Tech.(Photo: KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)

Haywood's Xavier Walker battles Liberty Tech's Elijah Harris for posession during their game, Monday evening.(Photo: KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)

Haywood County's Tristan Jarrett dribbles past a Liberty Tech defender during their game, Monday evening.(Photo: KENNETH CUMMINGS/The Jackson Sun)

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Haywood edges Liberty for 15-AA title - Jackson Sun