NATCHEZ — The season started rough for both Natchez High boys and girls basketball teams at the Vicksburg Classic on Saturday. Both teams lose to Vicksburg High.

The Vicksburg Lady Gators jumped out to a 15 point-lead and won 71-35 over Natchez Lady Bulldogs in the 12:30 p.m. of the Vicksburg Classic.

“We had some first game jitters that we had to get out,” Bulldogs head girls’ basketball coach Alphaka Moore said. “We missed a lot of free throws.”

Destiny Sims led the Vicksburg Lady Gators with 17 points. The Gators had a combined 15 steals in the game and committed 15 turnovers.

“We definitely have to step up and remain focused during game time situations,” Moore said. “I think we got a little bit nervous, and it caused us not to be able to perform to the best of our abilities.”

In total, the Lady Gators had 15 turnovers in the game, leading to points for the Bulldogs.

But the Lady Gators held Lady Bulldogs to 21 points during the first half and 14 points in the second half.

Moore said playing against Vicksburg was good competition for the Lady Bulldogs.

“I think it was a good time for us to see where our team is at and what we need to do to prepare and improve,” Moore said.

The Lady Bulldogs’ home opener is at 6 p.m. Saturday against the South Pike High Eagles from the Mississippi High Activities Association Class 4A.

Boys’ Basketball

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-11 lead after the first quarter. But the Gators came back and won 77-56 against the Bulldogs.

The Gators were 10 out of 13 from three-point range. Cameron Butler and Taylon Smith led the Gators with four three-pointers in the game.

Butler led Vicksburg with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. Peytin Jackson was second on the team with 13 points and six rebounds. Jackson attempted a three pointer but missed it.

Natchez High will host South Pike High Eagles 7 p.m. Saturday at Natchez High School.