[11/14/03]Donny Fuller is one win away from making the Warren Central record books.

The veteran Lady Vikes coach recorded his 245th career win on Thursday night, a 60-52 decision over Forest Hill. The win moved Fuller into a tie with Lloyd Clark as the winningest basketball coach at WC.

“I am not big on personal records, but this one would mean a lot because of the great respect I have for Lloyd Clark,” Fuller said. “I was his assistant when I was a young coach, and he did it in a lot less time than I have.

“To reach that mark would be something special to me.”

The Lady Vikes can secure the record for Fuller on Saturday, but it won’t be easy.

Provine and Warren Central, the only two unbeaten teams in the six-team Coca-Cola Classic, will meet for the tournament championship on Saturday at 3 p.m.

“I told our kids that I would like to do it in a big game rather than one that doesn’t mean a lot,” Fuller said. “We have Provine here on Saturday and that is a big game.”

For a while Thursday, it appeared that the record would have to wait a while longer.

Cookie Johnson scored a game-high 15 points and had seven steals as the Lady Vikes broke open a close game in the third quarter. Ashley Vinzant added nine points in the win.

Leading by one at the end of the half, Warren Central pressed its way to a 22-point outburst in the third quarter to take a 48-38 lead. In the quarter, WC forced 13 turnovers.

(B) Forest Hill 64, WC 61

Brian Phelps’ big night turned sour because of a lean too far forward.

Phelps scored 17 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked nine shots, but his chance to send the game into overtime failed.

Forest Hill led 62-60 with 3.3 seconds to play when Phelps was fouled, sending him to the line for two shots. He nailed the first one, then on the second he used body english to coax the ball through the hoop.

The referee whistled Phelps for crossing the free throw line early.

Kevin Sims drew a foul, then hit both free throws to ice the game for the Rebels.

Anthony Lewis added 12 points for Warren Central, while Cody Grant scored 10.

WC is scheduled to meet Provine on Saturday at noon at Vicksburg High.