Warren Central started its season 1-4, but with a 53-48 win against Jefferson County on Monday night it now has a .500 record and is on a three-game winning streak.

Shaunterrance Walton hit three 3-pointers, went 8-for-8 from the free throw line, and led the Vikings with 19 points. Point guard Jesse Wilson used his ability to read defenses and be quick on his feet to find the open man in the corner and pick off an inbounds pass for a fast break layup.

Walton and Wilson are among four players recently returned to the basketball court following the end of football season. Walton has led the team in scoring each of the last two games.

Warren Central is also shooting 25-for-35 (71.4 percent) from the foul line in its last two games after struggling earlier in the season.

“We’re still struggling in stops, but I think we’re getting there. Defensively we’re OK, but we’ve got to mesh in the new guys and get them in sync with what we’re doing,” Robinson said.

Jefferson County’s quick, trapping defense forced turnovers, which led to a 29-24 halftime lead despite the offense not being able to move the ball.

Pressure didn’t ease up for the Vikings as they went into the fourth quarter with a seven-point lead.

The Tigers made it difficult for the Vikings to get the ball in the paint, keeping everything on the perimeter, which ate into the cushion Warren Central made itself to end the game.

“I think we were up 12 with three or four minutes left,” Robinson said. “We should’ve been able to stretch our lead out. We gave them at least two or three three-point plays. Once we got that lead we should’ve made them play a little bit more on the perimeter.”

(G) Warren Central 57, Jefferson County 42

Te’Asia Sims hit a 3-pointer at the end of the first half, from what appeared to be out of frustration after hitting the hardwood a couple of times without hearing a whistle. With six points, three rebounds and five steals from Sims, plus the hard work and focus from her teammates, the Lady Vikes beat Jefferson County.

T.T. Sims led the team in scoring with 26 points, four rebounds and three steals.

Lady Vikes coach Jackie Martin-Glass stressed rebounding and blocking out after they were starting to get destroyed with offensive rebounds and put-backs.

“They were able to break our press and get the easy layups and get put-backs on the offensive end. We were not actively scoring really well on the outside,” Martin-Glass said. “T.T. came in and hit some shots on the corner for me. I told my girls to work the ball more and see if we can get some inside play.”

Martin-Glass switched the defense to a full-court press to force turnovers midway through the second quarter. Once she realized the press wasn’t working, the Lady Vikes played a zone defense to keep Jefferson County on the perimeter.

“There was a time where we could’ve actually folded, they were getting a lot of inside play,” Martin-Glass said.

Amber Gaston made her presence felt in the post with seven blocks and several more deflections. She also grabbed eight rebounds, with three being on the offensive side.

“Her play is very important. She’s my defender and shot-blocker,” Martin-Glass said. “My point guard, her play is important too. The point guard play and the post play are the most important elements of the game for me.”

Up next

Pearl at Warren Central

Dec. 1, 6 p.m.