The Vicksburg Missy Gators still have plenty of work to do, and a lot of tough games ahead this season. They’re doing exactly what they need to do so far, though, in gaining some experience and stacking wins.

Zion Harvey and Cynia Johnson combined for 48 of the Missy Gators’ 64 points as they beat McComb 64-47 Tuesday.

Vicksburg improved its record to 9-3 with three games — including the MHSAA Region 2-6A opener against Warren Central on Dec. 20 — left before the holiday break.

“We’re doing just as well, or better than, I expected. We’ve still got a lot of stuff to work on,” Vicksburg coach Troy Stewart said. “Offensively, I don’t think we’re efficient enough. Defensively, we’re starting to play the way I want to play but we’re not rallying to the ball quite as well. But we’re going to get there.”

Having Harvey and Johnson in the lineup together will certainly help with the journey.

Harvey finished with 30 points, 12 steals, four rebounds and three assists against McComb (2-6). Johnson had 18 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Both players are averaging in double figures in points this season and have been the engine for the Missy Gators’ success over the first third of the schedule.

“It’s a tandem that’s hard to stop. If you take one away, the other one’s going to beat you and they’re on the polar ends of the floor. One’s a big man and one’s a guard,” Stewart said. “If you take the big away, my guard’s going to hurt you. If you take the guard away the big is going to hurt you. I think they’re a perfect combo. They work well together.”

Led by Harvey and Johnson, the Missy Gators raced to a 35-19 lead by halftime and allowed Stewart to give his bench players some extended playing time. McComb cut into its big deficit with the reserves in, but the Missy Gators were able to keep their lead in double figures throughout the second half.

Ny’Keria Watson finished with six points, Jordan Grace scored five and Kenley Henderson had four. All three players also had four rebounds apiece.

“I went to the bench too early trying to let the other ladies get some experience in these type games. They played hard. We just couldn’t score at that point,” Stewart said.