Edgewood's freshman Jackson Tyner looks for a way around Waskom's senior Caliel Lister (right) Thursday night during a Class 2A Region III area playoff. (Sarah A. Miller | Tyler Morning Telegraph)

HAWKINS — An effective full-court press and a standout performance from Jackson Tyner powered Edgewood to a 63-41 victory over Waskom in the area round of the Class 2A Region III playoffs. Tyner posted 21 points in the dominating win at Hawkins High School on Thursday night.

Edgewood took a commanding lead from the start, forcing turnovers and knocking down shots. Jacob Sharff hit a 3-pointer on the Bulldogs’ first possession. Tyner then rattled off eight straight points to give Edgewood an 11-0 lead.

Waskom ended their drought with 3:20 to play in the first quarter on a layup from Kevin Johnson and finished the quarter by scoring the final two baskets. Turnovers plagued the Wildcats and Edgewood led 16-8 after the first period.

The Wildcats continued to lose possession on a regular basis in the second quarter and Edgewood scored the first six points of the quarter. Waskom managed to score only two field goals in the period and trailed 30-15 at the break.

Edgewood pushed farther ahead at the beginning of the third quarter. Johnson hit a 3-pointer for Waskom to open the half, but seven straight points from Kaven Deloach extended Edgewood’s lead to 19. The two teams traded baskets for the remainder of the period and the Bulldogs led 47-28 after three quarters.

Waskom slowed the Bulldogs down with a full court press of their own to open the final period but could not make shots and cut into its deficit. Edgewood began to burn as much clock as possible on each of its possessions. The Bulldogs pulled their starters for the final minute and allowed their bench players to close out the win.

“We got off to a good start,” Edgewood coach Jay Jameson said. “We jumped on them early and that’s what we try to preach. … That good start really set the tone I thought.”

Gabe Washington led Waskom with 13 points. Raymond Purvis followed with 10 points for the Wildcats as Waskom finished its season 23-9.

Edgewood improved to 28-8 on the year and advanced to the regional quarterfinal round where they will face the winner of the Tatum-New Boston game.

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Class 2A Region III?Area Playoff

At Hawkins High School

Edgewood 63, Waskom 41

Edgewood     16  14  17  16   —  63

Waskom        8    7  13  13   —  41

EDGEWOOD — Jackson Tyner, 21; Kaven Deloach, 13; Eugene Dillard, 6; Tyler Germany, 5; Trey Jameson, 5; Josh Sharff, 4; Daniel Sharff, 3; Jacob Sharff, 3; Justin Suggs, 3. FT: 8-20. 

WASKOM — Gabe Washington, 13; Raymond Purvis, 10; Kris Monroe, 6; Kevin Johnson, 5; Jose Agundiz, 3; Caliel Lister, 3; Junebug Johnson, 1. FT: 7-17.

THREE POINT GOALS — E: Deloach (2), Jacob Sharff, Suggs, Tyner. W: Agundiz, Johnson, Lister, Washington.

RECORDS — Edgewood 28-8; Waskom 23-9.

NEXT UP — Edgewood vs. Tatum-New Boston winner, TBD.