Caples steps up to lead the Missy Gators over WC

Vicksburg High School girl’s basketball team pulled away a close 64-58 win over Warren Central on Saturday.

“We held it out to the end and we made a couple mistakes but we listened to the coach and played like we were disciplined,” Janiah Caples said.

Ja’Na Colenburg popped things off with three 3-pointers for the Missy Gators in the first quarter along with some easy buckets by Layla Carter and Janiah Caples to go up 18-5 in the first quarter.

Jae’la Smith and Ta’Mya Sims got WC on the board on a few occasions along with Kayleigh Karel who knocked down a 3-pointer in the second quarter, but it wouldn’t be enough to overpower VHS who went up 32-22 at halftime.

Jae’la Smith: Photo by Keith Phillips

The Missy Gators maintained a double digit lead in the third quarter until WC’s Zion Harvey stepped up and hit two 3-pointers and two layups in less than two minute as VHS’ lead was narrowed to 48-43.

Things really began to heat up in the fourth quarter as Harvey knocked down another 3-pointer and two free throws. Caples hit eight free throws in the final quarter that kept VHS ahead in the win.

VHS’ lead was eventually narrowed  to 57-56 with both teams going back and forth but clutch free throws would help the Missy Gators take home the 64-58 win.

Caples finished with 27 points and Carter added 19. Harvey put up 20 for WC while Smith and Sims both scored nine and Makayla Mitchell dropped eight.

Colenburg also finished with nine for VHS.