Hillcrest-Evergreen coach Terean Pinkney was a little concerned about his team heading into Friday afternoon’s Class 3A South Region semifinal against Pike County.

“I was kind of nervous because they were joking around and stuff in shootaround,” Pinkney said. “But they got on the bus and went to sleep. Once that happened, I thought they might be locked in.”

They were.

The ninth-ranked Jaguars opened a 20-point halftime lead at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery and pummeled Pike County 86-51 to move within one game of a trip to the final four. Hillcrest (25-3) will play Providence Christian or Cottage Hill at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday in the regional final.

The Jaguars shot 52 percent from the field (33-of-63), 42.9 percent from 3-point range (12-of-28) and outrebounded Pike County 40-31. Trey Simpson finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks for Hillcrest. Jordan Bonner chipped in 16 points, Jermonte Stallworth had 12 and Jamir Sharpe 9.

“Our chances are good,” Pinkney said. “The way we are playing, we should be fine. We can’t worry about whoever we play. If we play our style of basketball, we should be fine regardless.”

Markelis Hobdy was the only Pike County player in double figures with 16 points.