Williams leads WC’s basketball team to a 20-6 record over the summer

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —

Hard work, growth and belief have laid the foundation for what Warren Central hopes will be a memorable basketball season.

The Vikings finished the summer with a 20-6 record under head coach Keith Williams, showing significant improvement while giving fans an early glimpse of a team that appears ready to compete at a high level this winter.

“If you would’ve asked me three months ago I would say we would be struggling, but these guys have really matured and this is a bright group of kids and they like to challenge each other,” Williams said.

Warren Central’s success came despite playing much of the summer without standout athletes Nash Morgan and Micah Moore, who are currently participating in football. Even without the pair, the Vikings earned one of their biggest victories by defeating defending state champion Morton.

“These guys want to win and I always joke about sitting down one day, but this group I have will keep me here for some years,” Williams said.

Senior leaders helped set the tone throughout the summer. Derec Gibbs Jr. averaged a team-high 17.4 points per game, while Davon O’Neal added 16.8 points per contest to lead the Vikings offensively.

Warren Central also received key contributions from its younger players. Ja’Ven Lee averaged 12 points per game, while Jordan Taylor contributed 10 points per game after both were moved up from the ninth-grade team.

“The young talent that we have is scary and one of the best decisions we made is moving Ja’Ven and Jordan Taylor up to varsity from ninth grade,” Williams said.

Avery Williams averaged 10 points and nine rebounds per game, Cam Walker added eight points per contest, and Landon Burks contributed seven points per game. Williams also praised Jordan Pugh for the work he put in throughout the summer to help the team’s success.

The Vikings showcased their offensive potential by scoring more than 70 points in five games. Along the way, they earned victories over Yazoo City, Forest Hill, Lake, McComb and Brookhaven, giving Warren Central its strongest summer campaign in recent years.

With experienced veterans leading the way, talented underclassmen emerging and a culture built on competition and accountability, the Vikings have turned a successful summer into renewed confidence. The official season will begin later in the year, and the Vikings will have a chance to live up to their name as everyone is expecting big things from the program.

Williams noted that he couldn’t have earned the recent success without those who made it possible.

”I want to first thank God for putting me in this position to lead in the right way,” he said. “I also have to give thanks to my assistant coaches and the players for putting in the work.”