Vicksburg Junior High basketball captured the Little Six Championship with a 32-25 victory over Byram Middle School Friday night. The win capped off a 16-1 season with the one loss coming against Warren Central Junior High.

“It’s an amazing feeling anytime you win a championship,” Vicksburg Junior High coach Julius Williams said.

While the championship is a great way to send off eight-grade players and teaches the remaining boys what it takes to win, it will shape the way these players mature and handle life.

“It gives them confidence not only on the court but off the court. It teaches them a life lesson that anything is possible if you work hard,” Williams said. “We came together this summer we stayed focused, had a couple of bumps in the road but that’s life, everything’s not going to go your way.”

Williams wanted to thank all the parents of his players for the support they’ve shown him all season. He said he’s truly enjoyed this year and coached a great group of players.

At the beginning of the season, Williams knew if his team bought in to his coaching, mentorship and became a family they’d become champions.

As a coach, Williams enjoys teaching his players life lessons like how to set a goal and work for it.

One of the more important lessons the players will learn from their championship run is how to make sacrifices to accomplish what they want out of life.

“Any time you practice and your friends are at home going to parties and we’re working in this gym, the kids miss out a lot during the season and you have to be willing to sacrifice for the greater goal of the team,” Williams said.

Nicholus Council, Christopher Henderson, Patrick Burks and Peytin Jackson were among the eighth-grade leaders on Williams roster, but aren’t they only ones influencing their teammates.

Seventh-graders Levi Wyatt and Dequan Phillips were among those who held their teammates accountable. In doing so and setting a good example by admitting when they made mistakes and how their behavior in the classroom affects the team.

Williams has seen his players mature in how they conduct themselves during school and become an example for their peers.

“I love the fact that a lot of my leaders influence their friends,” Williams said, adding his players try and steer their friends in the direction of sports and academics.

Now that the season is over, players will move on to running track and engaging in other spring sports. Williams said he has a solid foundation of seventh-graders returning next season and his group of soon-to-be high school freshmen will be great additions for their new team.

As the eighth-grades prepare for the final stage of their primary education, Williams wants his players to cherish the moment. He told them at the beginning of the season, he would get them a championship banner so their legacies will always be remembered.

“When their kids come to the gym, they’ll be able to say ‘My dad’s name is on this wall,’” Williams said. “Even if they build a brand new gym, them banners will be in the new gym and their name will be on that wall.”