[02/16/01] Vicksburg High’s quest for back-to-back Division 3-5A championships could be more difficult than getting to the finals.

Senior point guard Jason Walker, the team’s offensive catalyst, missed practice Thursday with sore tonsils. His status for Friday night’s matchup with host Greenville is in question.

If Walker is not able to play, Chris Humes will get the start in his place.

Win or lose, though, the Gators (24-9) will be playing on Tuesday in the satellite game of the North State championship series. With a win, VHS will host the loser of No. 3 Starkville and No. 7 Columbus.

“It took the pressure off us a little when we beat Gentry,” Vicksburg coach Dellie Robinson said of his team’s thrilling 55-54 win in the tournament opener over Gentry on Tuesday. “I’ve been around this game a long time and I know how tough it is to win on the road. You’re trying to go to Starkville or Columbus and get a win and that’s as tough as you’ll go to get to the coliseum.

“Our opportunity is now to win the district tournament and play that game at home.”

A win Friday night will also accomplish another one of the Gators’ goals. VHS has already won the division’s regular-season title and can claim their 25th win, another of the team’s goals.

But it will be tough, Robinson said.

Greenville has a similar physical makeup as Vicksburg with two big men in the post and a host of players who can shoot 3-pointers.

Derrick Davis leads the Hornets’ outside attack while senior Andrew McNeal commands the low post. McNeal grabbed 17 rebounds against Warren Central on Tuesday night.

“We don’t know how much we’ll be able to help down inside,” Robinson said.

“Last time we tried to help down low and they hit a lot of threes on us.”

In the win over the Hornets in the regular season, McNeal was out with an injury.

Greenville coach Charles McInnis said he’ll need his senior to play a big role.

“With their size, we will have to have a good game from our post players,” McInnis said. “They are a very good ballclub.”

Guard Miguel Henyard, who hit the game-winning 3-pointer against Gentry, and center Demetrick Allen lead Vicksburg and are both scoring in double-figures this season.

“We certainly have our work cut out for us,” Robinson said. “They have the big players down low and the wing players that can shoot. They are also on their home floor in their own territory, so we will have our hands full.”