Vicksburg claims rivalry win over Warren Central, 51-48

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Vicksburg High School boys’ basketball team pulled off a close 51-48 win over crosstown rival Warren Central on Tuesday night, sealing the victory in the final seconds.

Scoring started slowly for both teams, as they combined for just 14 points in the first quarter. Jaquez Jones opened the game with a 3-pointer for VHS, while Davon O’Neal connected at the free-throw line. The Gators held an 8-6 lead after one.

By halftime, Vicksburg maintained a two-point advantage, going up 17-15 behind inside scoring from Jaquez Marshall and a pair of baskets from Jayden Stewart. Kylan Randle kept Warren Central within striking distance, knocking down a couple of shots in the second quarter.

Coming out of the break, the Vikings’ offense surged. Deric Gibbs hit two 3-pointers, and O’Neal scored 11 points in the third quarter alone. Jones answered with two 3-pointers for the Gators, while Marshall and Marlyn Foy added buckets. Warren Central was up 38-33 in the closing seconds of the quarter before Marshall threw down a two-handed dunk to cut it to 38-35.

Early in the fourth, Jones drilled another 3-pointer to tie the game at 38-38. He continued to power the Gators’ offense with multiple drives and layups. Randle and O’Neal kept the Vikings close, but Warren Central was denied a chance to tie when Jadarius Henderson came up with a crucial block in the final minute.

The Gators held on as time expired, securing the 51-48 win.

Jones led Vicksburg with 22 points, followed by Marshall with 12. Foy scored 10, Stewart finished with four, and Henderson added three.

For Warren Central, O’Neal led with 19 points, Gibbs scored 11, Randle had eight, Avery Williams added six, Jaylen DeFrance scored three, and Martavius Sims added one point from the free-throw line.