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Block’s Makayla Mackey attempts to go in for a layup Friday during an LHSAA playoff game against Oak Grove in Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat).

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat).

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat).

Block’s Makayla Mackey shoots a jump shot Friday during the game. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat).

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat).

Block High School’s Cintina Green shoots a layup Friday during an LHSAA playoff game against Oak Grove in Jonesville. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat).

Through thick and thin, the No. 11 ranked Block High School Lady Bears stick together.

Although it never once lost the lead over No. 22 Oak Grove Friday, Block had to break through some early-game butterflies en route to a 49-30 victory in the Bi-district round of LHSAA Class 1A playoffs.

“The jitters had to go,” Block coach Veronica Savage said. “Our girls had the lead, and once we exhaled, we did a lot better.”

The Lady Bears opened the game with a 10-4 advantage at the end of the first quarter. After a strong second period by Oak Grove, however, Block led by just three points at the half, 19-16.

Savage said it was the spirit in each one of her players that kept the Lady Bears on top.

“All of my kids have heart for the game, and they want to fight the whole time,” she said. “You cannot run a hard press for a whole game, because the other team gets used to it. We just went back to doing what we do best. They are learning to trust me, and I trust them.”

Block was able to get back into rhythm with a 3-pointer from Alliyah Ceasor to open the third quarter, and Lakisica Bowman followed with a flurry of easy layups on direct drives the basket.

Ceasor sank three 3s on the night and ended with 11 points, and Bowman led the team with 13.

“We played hard for every quarter,” Bowman said. “The difference was our motivation and talking on the court.”

With just under four minutes remaining in the game, the Lady Bears went up by double digits, 38-28, and ended up outscoring Oak Grove 16-7 in the final period to secure the win.

To add to the Lady Bear’s unity, Delicia Ceasor chipped in seven points, Cintina Green had six and Mackayla Mackey added five.

Block (15-10) will advance to the Regional round and travel to No. 6 Homer Monday.

Savage said it’s key for her team to stay focused going forward.

“The girls are starting to understand each other,” she said. “I’m just proud of where we are.”

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