Warren Central is still seeking its first division championship in boys basketball since 2004, but it is starting to give itself plenty of chances to break the drought.

Chavis Smith and Jalen Allen combined for 11 of the team’s 18 points in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night as the Vikings pulled away to beat Provine 52-41 in the first round of the Division 4-6A tournament.

The Vikings (21-5) will face tournament host Greenville (19-6) in the championship game Friday at 8:30 p.m. It’s the second consecutive season that Warren Central has gotten this far, and also ensures they’ll play in the Class 6A state tournament again.

WC coach Bruce Robinson said the next step is the hardest, however, in trying to transform the program into a regular contender.

“It gives us consistency. It is a step forward. But I am not sure we have turned the corner. We have to win the district championship to turn the corner,” Robinson said.

Warren Central led Provine (9-11) by three points heading into the fourth quarter on Tuesday, then outscored the Rams 18-10 over the last eight minutes. The Vikings went 8-for-15 at the free throw line — Allen was 5-for-6 — and Smith hit a couple of big baskets to help them gain some separation.

Smith finished with 14 points, and Allen with 11. Jalen Glass also scored 14 points, including a key 3-pointer late in the third quarter.

Ra’Darrien Pendleton led Provine with 12 points.

“We played better defense in the second half,” Robinson said. “We played like we’ve been practicing playing all year. We shortened the game to pull it out.”

Now the Vikings will turn their attention toward Greenville. They split their two regular-season meetings, with each team winning on the other’s home court.

The boys’ championship game will be the last of four played Friday at Greenville High School.
Warren Central and Provine will play in a girls’ elimination game at 4 p.m., with the winner advancing to the Class 6A state tournament.

The boys’ third-place game between Clinton and Provine is at 5:30 p.m., and the girls’ title game of Clinton vs. Greenville is at 7.

DIVISION 4-6A TOURNAMENT
Friday, at Greenville High School
Girls
4 p.m. – Provine vs. Warren Central
7 p.m. – Clinton vs. Greenville
Boys
5:30 p.m. – Clinton vs. Provine
7 p.m. – Warren Central vs. Greenville