Gators move on to play for the district championship after defeating Callaway 69-51

Vicksburg High School boy’s basketball will move on to play in the district championship game after defeating Callaway 69-51 on Wednesday night.

“It’s gratifying to be able to beat a team that pretty much dominated you for years and to do it with a team that you basically built,” VHS Head Coach Kelvin Carter said.

VHS Head Coach Kelvin Carter: Photo by Keith Phillips

VHS took a 24-13 lead in the first quarter after Davian Williams knocked down four 3-points to secure a quick lead.

Markel Derby came out with a nice shot in the second quarter followed by a one-hand layup from Jalen Banks. After Davian Williams scored over two defenders, Tyler Henderson drew a foul while knocking in the hard layup, then Jaylin Jackson popped a 3-pointer to put VHS up 41-25 at halftime.

A few quick scores by Franklin and Henderson kept the Gators ahead and they both came down with big blocks in the third quarter. After a 3-pointer by freshman Mikey Johnson, VHS took a 53-34 lead heading into the fourth.

Mikey Johnson: Photo by Keith Phillips

Williams managed to drive in for a layup while a defender was holding him, and Franklin followed up with a 3-pointer.

Malik Franklin: Photo by Keith Phillips

A combination of Williams, Franklin and Henderson who all secured key buckets in the final quarter, helped the Gators move on to play for a district title on Friday.

Davian Williams: Photo by Keith Phillips

Williams led with 18 points and Franklin pitched in 15. Henderson added 13 while Banks and Jackson both finished with six. Johnson, Kamryn Bailey and J.Perkins all had three points while Derby scored two.

“That gold ball is the ultimate goal and they really want it and I’m confident in this group and I know we can make a run at this thing,” Carter said.