NATCHEZ — The Natchez High School girls’ basketball team left little doubt who would prevail in its matchup with Vidalia High School Saturday night.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 20-3 lead by the end of the first quarter and cruised to a 42-30 victory over the home-standing Lady Vikings in the Miss-Lou Shootout.

Rashonae Rice and E’Keria Williams did the bulk of the scoring for the Lady Bulldogs, and head coach Alphaka Moore said Williams’ presence helped the Bulldogs Saturday night.

“I think E’Keria Williams really stepped up and did well, I am really proud of her,” Moore said.

Natchez led 24-9 at halftime, but the Lady Vikings managed to keep fighting and actually outscored Natchez 21-18 in the second half.

“This group has a never die attitude,” head coach Fred Marsalis said. “They will play it until the end. They have all year, and I think some time things will turn our way.”

Vidalia’s Fran Duson led all scorers with 13 points in the game.

The big lead allowed Natchez to play a lot of girls, and Moore said that experience will help down the road.

“I think it will really help when we start district play to get these girls some experience for when they have to come in the game,” she said.

Marsalis said it was Natchez High’s depth that caused issues for the Lady Vikings.

“It was a difference in numbers,” he said. “They have a lot of girls that can play, and we are short on numbers at this point.”

The Lady Bulldogs finished the Miss-Lou Shootout 2-0. Vidalia went 0-2.

Natchez boys 50, Vidalia 41

The Natchez High School boys basketball team took advantage of a good third quarter to extend its slim halftime lead and pull away for a win Saturday night.

The Bulldogs led by three at halftime, but outscored Vidalia 16-8 in the third frame to pull away to a 50-41 win.

Dearius Griffin led all scorers with 15 points in the contest. Julius Wilson scored 13 for Vidalia.