PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia’s Nia Luckett was literally unhittable — and she wasn’t exactly facing a run-of-the-mill team.

Neshoba Central entered its senior night with a No. 1 ranking in USA Today and an offense that often run-rules opponents. It sent Mississippi State commit Aspen Wesley to the mound, who is automatically the toughest test for any team in the state whenever they face her.

But Luckett brought the heat, and with the help of a two-run fourth inning, the Lady Tornadoes shut out Neshoba Central 2-0 Tuesday evening in both teams’ regular-season finale. The junior pitcher tossed a no-hitter, striking out 16 while allowing only four baserunners, one via a walk, one on an error and two hit by pitches.

The Philadelphia victory snapped a 64-game win streak by the Lady Rockets that dated back to May 2, 2017. 

“I was kind of worried,” Philadelphia head coach David Frey said. “I pitched her last night going for the district championship (a 6-5 win against Lake), and she was kind of sore, but she’s always ready to pitch against Neshoba.”

Luckett insisted she was fine, and her performance indicated as much. 

“I felt good,” Luckett said. “When I got ahead in the count, I knew to keep working and not let up.”

Hits were difficult to come by against Wesley, so Luckett had to help out her own cause at the leadoff spot in the order. She finished 2-for-3, and it was her performance in the top of the fourth inning that proved pivotal for the Lady Tornadoes.

Wesley and Luckett had pitched three scoreless frames, and Luckett was able to connect on a single to lead off the top of the fourth for Philadelphia. She then stole two bases and came home on a throwing error when the Lady Rockets tried to throw her out at third on the steal, making it 1-0 Philadelphia. N’Drah Tanksley had an RBI single to score Tyesha Cole for the game’s only runs.

“When I got those two hits, that got us riled up,” Luckett said. “When I’m on the bases, I feel like I can get to home play, and I try to (run) and make them make a bad throw.”

Her first big test came in the bottom of the frame, when she had to pitch with a lead against Neshoba Central’s Nos. 2, 3 and 4 hitters, Rivers gray, Wesley and Tori Henderson. She struck out each of them to keep the shutout intact.

“I didn’t want them to make contact, because I knew if they got on base they would try to steal,” Luckett said.

Luckett’s other big test came in the bottom of the seventh. Still holding onto a no-hitter, Luckett hit Gray to start the inning, then Wesley reached base on a shallow fly ball that was scored an error. Luckett struck out the next three batters to close out the game and get the no-hitter.

“It feels awesome,” Luckett said.

Said Frey, “She’s a competitor. Not much rattles here. She’s just a great player. She loves it.”

Wesley had a strong effort on the mound as well, giving up just one earned run on three hits and one walk. She finished with 18 strikeouts. Neshoba Central coach Trae Embry said the offense simply didn’t do enough to overcome the shaky top of the fourth.

“We need to be better offensively,” Embry said. “Nia was unreal on the mound tonight. She was dominant, so it’s just something we have to do a better job of.”

WESLEY VS. LUCKETT

The game featured two of the state’s better pitchers, which gave both teams good preparation for the types of arms they might face in the postseason. Embry, though, said there aren’t many pitchers out there better than Luckett.

“I would have to say she’s one of the best in the state,” Embry said.

And Luckett wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Wesley is a Mississippi State commit and considered the state’s best pitcher.

“She loves it,” Frey said. “She loves the competition.” 

STREAK SNAPPED

Now that the win streak dating back to 2017 is over, Embry said he and his players won’t dwell on it as they gear up for the Class 5A playoffs.

“We always just play one game at a time anyway,” Embry said. “That’s over, and hopefully we can start another one. I know everyone going into the playoffs is 0-0, so we’re going to go in, recuperate tomorrow and be ready to go.”

SENIOR NIGHT 

Wesley, Gray, Henderson, Hallie Billie and Alexus Lathem will all graduate in May, and the group entered Tuesday’s game with a 179-7 record and six straight fast-pitch championships in Class 5A.

“I don’t think words can even describe it,” Embry said. “They are probably the winningest class in our school ever in softball, and they’re a great group of kids on and off the field. They are dedicated to the sport, they love the sport, and they’re winners in my book.”

UP NEXT 

Neshoba Central (25-1) has a bye in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs and will play in the second round beginning April 22. Philadelphia also has a bye in the first round of the 2A playoffs and will also begin the second round April 22.