[12/26/01] Warren Central and Vicksburg will descend on metropolitan Jackson this week in a pair of separate holiday hoops tournaments.

Vicksburg will play in the Northwest Rankin Classic, while Warren Central will play in the 21st Jackson Public Schools Tournament.

“We’re fortunate enough to get a first-round bye,” said Warren Central coach Donny Fuller, whose team was rewarded with the first round off because it is ranked No. 13 in the state. “It’s going to be tough. The semifinals and finals are on the same day.”

The Lady Vikes (14-2) will play the winner of the Jefferson County-Lanier game on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Forest Hill.

The Vikings (10-6), coming off a division loss to Natchez, will play West Lauderdale today at 3 p.m. at Provine.

Murrah, which has won three straight Class 5A state titles, is the favorite on the girls’ side. The Lady Mustangs won the tournament last year. Murrah and Lanier are considered the teams to beat on the boys’ side.

WC’s girls won the tournament in 1981, ’82 and ’84.

The Vicksburg boys (14-3) get a first-round bye at the Northwest Rankin tournament. The Gators will meet the Northwest RankinHazlehurst winner Thursday night.

The Missy Gators (10-7) get a tough challenge in their opener against Clinton today at 1 p.m.

The Lady Arrows are led by Louisiana Tech signee LaToya George.

Both holiday tournaments end on Friday.

“We have to get better,” Fuller said. “I thought right before the holidays, we were getting into a lull and weren’t doing the things that had gotten us our 14 wins.

“We went back to the basics this week in practice.”