The Vicksburg Missy Gators waited an extra week to play their Division 4-5A opener because of last week’s ice storm, but anticipation did not bring success.

Audra Carter scored a game-high 18 points, and Neshoba Central used a balanced effort and a big second quarter to beat the Missy Gators 58-38 on Friday night. Eleven players scored for Neshoba Central (10-8, 1-1 Division 4-5A), which pulled away by outscoring Vicksburg 25-8 in the second period.

Kerricka McRunnells led Vicksburg (4-10, 0-1) with 15 points, six rebounds and three steals. Gada Clay added seven points.

The Missy Gators were 13-for-49 (26.5 percent) from the field and committed 34 turnovers.
Carter was the only Neshoba Central player to score in double figures. The next highest was Taylor Ben, with eight points.

In the boys’ game, Neshoba Central beat Vicksburg 50-46 to hand the Gators (9-6, 0-1) their second consecutive loss.

Vicksburg’s boys will play Picayune Monday at 1:30 p.m., at Lanier High School in Jackson at the MLK Classic. The girls are off until next Friday, when both teams will play another division game at Lanier.