Warren Central’s boys’ basketball team couldn’t keep Starkville in check on the boards or the scoreboard, and lost 60-47 in an early-season road test on Saturday.

Starkville, which has made two consecutive trips to the Class 6A championship game, led by five points at the half before pulling away by scoring a number of points inside and on second-chance opportunities, while keeping the Vikings to one shot on the defensive end.

Jalen Glass led Warren Central (3-3) with 14 points. Shaun Walton and Duke Henyard scored nine each. The Vikings were playing with a full roster for just the second time this season.

“They controlled the boards and dominated inside. Their size got to us in the long run,” Warren Central coach Bruce Robinson said. “It was a good road test for us as we try to get everyone in basketball shape.”

In the girls’ game, Starkville beat Warren Central 53-27 to hand the Lady Vikes their second consecutive loss after a five-game winning streak to start the season.

Amber Gaston had 15 points and 11 rebounds, T.T. Sims had eight points, and Kiara Lockhart scored four.

The rest of the Lady Vikes’ roster was shut out as they posted their lowest point total of the season.

“We came out flat and looked drained the whole game,” Warren Central coach Jackie Glass said. “We lost confidence early when the game played in their favor. I know we are better than the final score, but we had our worst shooting night. We have to work hard to up our intensity and cut down on mistakes because teams like Starkville will be the ones you have to face to make it to the Big House.”

Warren Central will return to action Tuesday night when it plays at Pearl. Its next home game is Dec. 6 against Wingfield.