By Robert Wilson
Photos by Hays Collins

Senior Will Edwards made a school record eight 3-pointers and scored a career-high 26 points to lead Hartfield Academy to a 62-50 MAIS Class 4A, District 3 victory over defending Overall and Class 4A state champion Simpson Academy Friday night at Hartfield.

​Hartfield, playing without star senior guard Josh Lee (recovering from an illness), improved to 20-6 overall and 7-1 in district play. Simpson dropped to 19-2 and 7-1 and broke a 17-game winning streak. Simpson’s only loss prior to Friday night was a double overtime decision to Jackson Prep in the third game of the season. Simpson beat Hartfield 52-48 Jan. 8 at Simpson. It was the first loss in regulation in 36 games since a 46-33 decision to Hartfield last season. Simpson won its last 14 games last season to finish 37-6.

​Edwards made five 3-pointers in the second half as Hartfield pulled away from a 32-30 halftime lead. 

​Senior Jake Jesiowoski added 10 points for Hartfield.

​Junior Joe Berry led Simpson with 23 points. Sophomore Dawson Drennan added 12.