Third-ranked Trinity took control in the first half of the Central Regional Class 3A girls final on Wednesday at Birmingham’s Bill Harris Arena and sent Area 6 and Montgomery private school rival St. James packing 50-29 to earn a spot in the state semifinals next week.

St. James (27-5) had won two of three meetings this season, including in the area championship.

Trinity (24-6) jumped out to a 17-7 first-quarter lead and was up 33-11 at halftime.

“Through the course of the season, we found some matchups that might give them issues,” Trinity coach Blake Smith said. “We decided not to show them until today and they worked.”

The Wildcat defense held St. James to 24 percent shooting from the floor and forced 15 turnovers.

“We had to erase the earlier games from our minds today,” Trinity junior and tournament MVP Mya Moskowitz said. “We had to play our game and follow coach’s instructions. I try not to look at the scoreboard.”

Moskowitz, who was big contributor in the Wildcats’ 32-2 season a year ago, led Trinity with 26 points.

“Mya had an outstanding game,” Smith said. “This has been an up-and-down season for us. Our push has been to become the best possible version of Trinity basketball.”

Francie Morris grabbed 10 rebounds to go with 7 points and 8 assists for Trinity.

Morgan Lilly scored 11 points and had 4 rebounds for the Trojans. Ava Card scored 10 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Kaitlin Mitchell claimed 6 rebounds in the loss.

The Wildcats, who are all underclassmen, will play the Susan Moore-Plainview winner in the semifinals on Tuesday at noon at Birmingham’s BJCC Legacy Arena.