BELDEN - Wesley Jumper watched the first half of West Union's game against Tupelo Christian Prep on Thursday night from the bench - the result of a disciplinary suspension.

TCPS wished his punishment had been more severe.

West Union's junior guard came off the bench in the second half to score 18 points and lead his team to a 53-45 victory against the host Eagles.

"He's an outstanding player," TCPS coach Grant Smallwood said. "He's good on both ends. He's hard to defend."

Jumper connected on three huge 3-pointers. The first came late in the third period after TCPS cut West Union's lead to 31-26. He was fouled on the shot and hit the free throw for a four-point play.

His second 3-pointer came with 5 minutes, 14 seconds remaining and gave West Union a 41-33 lead. His final bomb - from the right wing - pushed the visiting Eagles' lead to 10 points with 2:18 showing.

"I knew there were some holes out there, I just had to find them," Jumper said. "It wasn't my best game."

Maybe he wasn't at his best, but West Union coach Joey Baird was happy to have it. Especially with his young lineup that at times featured two freshmen and two sophomores on the court.

Jumper "always makes big shots," he said. "Wesley's never been shy about making a play. It was tough playing without Wesley. We're young, but they're working hard and getting there."

West Union improved to 2-4 overall with the win while TCPS dropped to 1-5.

The home team played most of the game with one of its stars on the bench, but for a different reason. Will Cockrell got in foul trouble early and exited the game with 4:05 left. His play helped TCPS trim West Union's lead to four points early in the final period.

"It hurts us a ton when Will's not in there; he's an animal," Smallwood said.

Andrew Yim paced TCPS with 11 points while Austin Harkness added 10 for West Union.

(G) West Union 62, TCPS 30

Carley Wilkerson hit three 3-pointers and scored 13 points to pace West Union.