It took a balanced scoring effort from Warren Central to come up with a 54-48 victory over Cleveland in its Ridgeland Shoot-out game on Saturday.

The Vikings held a 12-point lead in the second half and were in control pretty much all game.

“I think we did a better job late in the ball game,” Vikings coach Bruce Robinson said.

Cleveland chipped away and was able to tie the game at 48 with a minute left in the game, thanks to the efforts of Antario Miller.

Miller was able to drive into the lane and hit the necessary layups to keep his team alive, however, Shunterrance Walton and Chavis Smith sealed the deal with late free throws and clutch baskets.

Cleveland played its third game this week and Robinson wanted to play an up-tempo game, while defensively he switched his strategies up by playing man to man in the first half and a full-court press in the second.

“Cleveland is a pretty solid team,” Robinson said. “As far as our mental toughness, it’s still in a developmental stage. You got to maintain your lead and you have to play a little bit tougher to maintain your leads. The talent has to come together and work harder.”

After losing three straight games to crosstown rival Vicksburg, Wingfield and Brandon, Robinson said it feels good to win and celebrate after a tough game.

“What we’ll do is get in the gym three days next week and prepare for Jim Hill,” Robinson said.