Midfield basketball has a unique ability to combine the organizational attack of the hardwood and the dazzling frenzy of the blacktop.

And it works.

The fourth-ranked Patriots stormed out of the gates and dominated the first half for a 54-40 victory over Danville in Wednesday’s Class 3A boys Northwest Regional final at Wallace State’s Traditions Bank Arena in Hanceville.

Midfield (23-9) battled to an early 5-all tie midway through the opening period, but forged ahead on a 12-1 run to close out the quarter. Aaron Adams-Martin broke the stalemate on a 3-pointer and a plus-1 chance at the line, going on a personal 6-0 run. DuJuan McKinney splashed two triples in the final two minutes to secure a double-digit advantage.

Armoni Franklin and Vincent Burrell combined to go 3-of-6 on free throws in the second quarter, the former adding a quick layup for a 5-0 run, and Doniven Wilson capped the period on a last-second 3-pointer. Midfield took a hefty 25-8 lead into the break as the Hawks were 1-of-8 in the period with Ty Bailey scoring with 24 seconds left in the first half.

Aiden Holladay and Huntley Segars closed the gap to an even dozen for the Hawks to start the third period, but Midfield pushed ahead on a 9-4 run, powered by a McKinney 3-pointer and 6 straight points from Franklin.

Danville (22-10) did not allow the Patriots to score consecutive baskets in the fourth period, but could only trim the deficit to as few as 9 points – 45-36 – with 2:23 remaining in the game. Burrell scored 4 straight points and sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Did you know? Midfield advances to its 11th state tournament final four in program history and seeks its first championship since the 2021 season. The Patriots have won five state titles in 10 final four appearances.

By the numbers: The Patriots shot 40 percent from both the field and 3-point range and were 16-of-20 at the foul line. Danville was held to 37.2 percent overall and 20 percent on 3-pointers, but did claim a plus-1 edge on the glass.

Stat sheet: Midfield – Franklin finished tied for a game-high 18 points, adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and Adams-Martin had 13 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Burrell posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, and McKinney contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Danville – Bailey led the Hawks with 18 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Holladay with 10 points and 3 boards. Makih Boyd had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, and Segars and Nathan West combined for 5 points and 10 rebounds.

All-Tournament Team: Franklin was named MVP and teammates Vincent Burrell and Dujuan McKinney were selected to the all-tournament team, along with Danville’s Aiden Holladay, Ty Bailey and Makih Boyd.

Coachspeak: “Danville did a great job of switching defenses. When they went man, obviously we love teams that play man-to-man, we kind of started getting too excited and not making good decisions. We were able to settle in, be patient and continue to attack the gaps and get the things we need. We knew they weren’t going to give up and the entire game was going to be intense.” – Midfield’s Courtney Jones

“We played really hard. Everything we asked them to do, I felt like they did that. We played with max effort, were confident and played with a toughness level that was tough for Midfield to match. We had an unorthodox second quarter and missed some bunnies around the rim. If some of those go in, it’s a different basketball game. It’s just really hard to overcome a 2-point quarter. It kind of haunted us, but these guys did everything we asked them to do.” – Danville’s Ben Mastin

They said it: “It feels good. I’ve never been in this type of environment before and it’ll be exciting to go my first time to Birmingham (for the final four).” – DuJuan McKinney

“I’ve got a bigger role. I won’t say it’s hard, but there’s a lot to it. I just lead my team and trust my coaches.” – Armonie Franklin

“Coach prides defense and I go out there and try to get as many rebounds as I can.” – Vincent Burrell

What’s next? Midfield advances to face No. 1 Sumter Central in a Class 3A state semifinal at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at BJCC’s Legacy Arena in Birmingham.