Northside Defeats Pelahatchie in 2A Boys State Championship

Northside claims first-ever state title with 51-39 victory over Pelahatchie

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Northside High School defeated Pelahatchie High School 51-39 in the MHSAA 2026 2A Boys State Championship game. Northside built an early lead and held off a late Pelahatchie comeback attempt to secure the school's first-ever state basketball title.

Why it matters

This championship game marked a historic moment for Northside, which had never won a state title in boys basketball before. For Pelahatchie, the loss was a tough end to their season, but the team and coach remain optimistic about their future prospects.

The details

Northside seized control early, building a halftime lead. Pelahatchie mounted a comeback in the second half, with Laterrion Irvin and Zion Grant leading the charge, but Northside had an answer each time the Chiefs threatened. Key plays like a full-court inbounds pass and a three-pointer from Jamarion Johnson helped Northside maintain their advantage down the stretch.

  • The MHSAA 2026 2A Boys State Championship game was played on Saturday.
  • Northside and Pelahatchie faced off in the title game.

The players

Laterrion Irvin

A Pelahatchie player who sparked the Chiefs' comeback attempt with his aggressive drives to the basket.

Zion Grant

A Pelahatchie player who worked the ball inside to Irvin, helping trim the deficit late in the game.

Jamarion Johnson

A Northside player who hit a key three-pointer to push the Gators' lead back out and shift the momentum in their favor.

Xavier Bell

A Northside player who made a transition pass to set up a layup that helped seal the Gators' victory.

Jerrick Porter

The head coach of the Pelahatchie Chiefs, who expressed confidence in his team's future despite the championship game loss.

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What they’re saying

“We still got a good meat of guys coming back. We are going to lose Terrion and Tyson Beeman leadership but, overall, we just learning from this and, over the summer, get back grinding like we always do and try to make another run. Hopefully, there's a point in time we get it this time.”

— Jerrick Porter, Pelahatchie Head Coach (WLBT)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This championship game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with Northside ultimately prevailing to claim their first-ever state title. While Pelahatchie came up short, their coach's optimism about the team's future suggests they will be back on this stage again soon, hungry to capture the elusive championship.