Destiny Sims took firm control of the Vicksburg Missy Gators’ destiny on Tuesday.

The sophomore guard scored 22 of her game-high 30 points in the second half to lead Vicksburg to a 54-46 victory over Callaway in its MHSAA Region 4-5A opener.

Sims also had six steals as the Missy Gators (11-6, 1-0 Region 4-5A) won for the fifth time in six games. It was their fifth win in a row over Callaway (7-7, 0-1), and second in 10 days. They also beat the Lady Chargers in the semifinals of the Pepsi JPS Tournament on Dec. 28.

Vicksburg and Callaway will play again Jan. 17 in Jackson.

“That’s the way you want to start the New Year,” Vicksburg coach Troy Stewart said. “It’s a big win against a big district opponent. We’ve just got to try to stay the course.”

Yakia Burns added 12 points for Vicksburg, but it was Sims who carried the scoring load.

With the score tied 22-all at halftime, Sims took over in the third quarter. She scored 14 points in the period to spark the Missy Gators to a 39-31 lead. They then held Callaway at bay in the fourth quarter and cruised to the win.

Sims was 14-of-19 from the field, and 2-for-3 from 3-point range. She scored her 30 points without attempting a free throw.

As a team, the Missy Gators shot 46 percent (24-for-52) from the field and held Callaway to 34 percent (19-for-56).

Sharisse Bridges recorded a double-double for Callaway, with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Audria Jackson added six points and 10 rebounds, and Tanasia Jackson had seven points and nine rebounds.

“We put a little pressure on them half-court and three-quarter court, and it slowed down them getting it to (Bridges). They made a few mistakes. We had some good guard play up top and got a few steals, and that made a difference,” Stewart said.

Clinton 76, Warren Central 33
Jakayla Johnson scored 13 of her game-high 20 points in the second half as Clinton (14-3, 1-0 MHSAA Region 4-6A) ran away from Warren Central (8-7, 0-1) in the second half on Tuesday.

Clinton led by 12 points at halftime, then outscored the Lady Vikes 40-9 in the second half.

Kimbreyell McBride added 17 points for Clinton, and Kaitlyn Walker finished with nine.

Aniya Sanders led Warren Central with 13 points. Jamaiya Sanders scored nine points, and Alaila Bracey had eight.

The Lady Vikes lost their third consecutive game, and for the fifth time in six games. They’ll play at Vicksburg High Saturday at noon.

Greenville Christian 76, Porter’s Chapel 37
Williette Kingdom scored 33 points, Jordyn Claiborne added 15, and Greenville Christian (7-3) used a fast start to blitz Porter’s Chapel Academy.

Kingdom and Claiborne combined for 23 of Greenville Christian’s 29 points in the first quarter as the Lady Saints jumped out to a 29-8 lead and never looked back.

Tariyah Washington added 11 points for Greenville Christian.

Brittnee Martin had a good performance for Porter’s Chapel in the loss. She finished with 21 points, while going 7-for-11 from the field and 6-for-6 at the free throw line.