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NATCHEZ — In what head coach Alphaka Moore described as a battle of which team could make their free throws, the Natchez High School Lady Bulldogs led throughout the game and held on for a 60-58 win over the Vicksburg High School Missy Gators last Thursday night.

MHSAA Class 5A Natchez High went into this game coming off a blowout win over Class 3A Wilkinson County High School and a 4-2 record while Class 6A Vicksburg High came into this match-up with a 1-8 record. 

Yet the Missy Gators played much better than their record indicates — especially after the first quarter. Natchez High led Vicksburg 15-8 at the end of that quarter, but the Lady Bulldogs were not exactly able to pull away from the competition.

“This game really came down to being a free-throw game. A lot of fouls were called. We had an early lead starting off and led the whole game,” Moore said. “But a lot of fouls were called. Vicksburg shot a lot of free throws, especially in the fourth quarter, which led to the game being tight.”

The Lady Bulldogs went into halftime up just six points at halftime, 28-22, after being outscored by the Missy Gators 14-13. Natchez High managed to outscore Vicksburg 14-11 in the third quarter for a 42-33 lead. Then came a wild fourth quarter in which the Lady Bulldogs were really put to the test. And they somehow managed to pass it, albeit barely.

Vicksburg put up a whopping 25 points in the fourth quarter, but Natchez High scored 18 points to pull out the two-point win.

“The key to the win was keeping our composure during the circumstances. Making our free throws and making good decisions down the stretch,” Moore said.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by Roniya Ellis, who finished with a game-high 26 points. Caleah Kennedy poured in 10 points and Zamonie Wilson added eight points. The Missy Gators were led in scoring by Kierra James with 24 points.

Natchez High (5-2) played host to Amite County High School at 6 p.m. Friday.

Vicksburg boys 81, Natchez High 64 (Thurs. night)

NATCHEZ — The Vicksburg High School Gators proved why they are one of the best teams in all of MHSAA Class 6A as they soundly defeated Class 5A Natchez High School 81-64 last Thursday night, handing the Bulldogs their first win of the season.

No other information on the game was available.

Natchez High (6-1) played host to Amite County High School Friday with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off to close out a three-game homestand.