Close losses are becoming an unwanted part of life for Vicksburg High’s boys basketball team.

Kendarian Thomas scored 17 points and Alex Thompson added 15 as Neshoba Central beat Vicksburg 58-53 on Tuesday.

It was Vicksburg’s fourth loss in a row, with three of those coming by five points or less. Seven of the Gators’ 10 losses this season have been by seven points or less.

Marlon Foy led Vicksburg (8-10, 0-3 MHSAA Region 2-6A) with 20 points. Mincer Minor added 13, and Jadarius Henderson scored 10.

The Gators will go on the road to play Ridgeland Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Ridgeland, which is ranked No. 3 in Class 6A and is the defending state champion, beat Warren Central 70-62 on Tuesday.

Hillcrest Christian 60, Porter’s Chapel 22
Darius Barnes made three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points, Jordan Johnson scored 11, and Hillcrest Christian cruised past Porter’s Chapel Academy (2-3, 2-1 MAIS District 4-3A) on Tuesday.

Hillcrest scored 23 points in the second quarter to race to a 35-11 halftime lead.

Jase Jung led PCA with nine points and six rebounds, and Schaffer Bell had seven points and six rebounds. Auston Moore had seven rebounds. The Eagles were only 6-for-27 from the field and 9-for-29 from the free throw line.

PCA will play district rival River Oaks in a home-and-home series, Friday at 6 p.m. in Monroe, Louisiana, and Tuesday, Jan. 14 in Vicksburg.