JACKSON — All it took was one big quarter for the Neshoba Central High School boys.

It just so happened to be the first quarter.

Behind a big start, the Rockets raced past Lanier 67-50 in a Region 4-5A matchup on Wednesday night.

The game was supposed to have been played last Friday but was moved due to winter weather.

“To me, it’s always good to come out to a good, clean start, especially when you’re on the road,” Neshoba Central coach Jerry Byrd said. “One thing we talked about is to come out, grab momentum and take the crowd out of the game and put the other team on their heels.”

The Rockets (16-2, 2-0) did just that going up 23-4 at the end of the first quarter and ended the period on a 16-0 run.

“Our kids did a good job of starting fast. We had a few times where we’d turn the ball over, and that’s frustrating,” Byrd said. “It’s still early in division play. The last few years, it’s come down to tiebreakers in our division, so starting out 2-0 in division play is big.”

Justus Day had 20 points to lead Neshoba Central. T.J. Ben added 19 points, and Chayton York chipped in 16 points for Rockets.

“Chayton York and T.J. Ben have been playing for me since they were in the eighth grade and we lean a lot on them, especially Chayton,” Byrd said. “He brings a lot of toughness and leadership and is one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever been around, and I appreciate him for that.”

Earl Smith had a game-high 26 points to lead Lanier (2-15, 0-1). 

LANIER GIRLS 40, NESHOBA 34

Keshuna Luckett had 17 points to lead the Lady Bulldogs past the Lady Rockets. 

Jayla Alexander added 13 points for Lanier (14-3, 1-0 Region 4-5A). Andria Carter had eight points to lead Neshoba Central (10-8, 1-1).