NATCHEZ — Both the girls and boys Natchez basketball teams begin the 2019 season at the Vicksburg Classic on Saturday.

Girls’ Basketball

Alphaka Moore returns this season to coach the Natchez High girls’ basketball team. Moore was away from Natchez for three years.

Moore served as the Bulldogs head coach from 2012 to 2016. During that time span, the Bulldogs won back-to-back state championships, one coming in 2013-14 and the other in 2014-15.

Moore left Natchez in 2016 to go to Laurel High School Golden Tornadoes as the girls basketball head coach. Laurel is Moore’s hometown.

With Moore as head coach for Laurel High in 2016, the Golden Tornadoes made the state tournament and finished in the final eight for the first time in 30 years.

Moore replaces former head coach ShaRonda Gipson.

Under Gipson, the Bulldogs obtained a record of 9-16 in 2016. The Bulldogs would fall in the second round of the Class 5A state tournament. Gipson was the assistant coach of Natchez during the 2009-12 seasons.

The girls’ basketball team opens the season at the Vicksburg Classic 12:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Boys’ Basketball

The Natchez High boys’ basketball team also open the 2019 season at the Vicksburg Classic.

“I’m just excited to see the guys,” Bulldogs boys’ basketball head coach David Haywood said. “They have an opportunity to compete and they have put in a lot of work this offseason. I’m looking forward to being with everyone.”

Last season, the Bulldogs lost 61-59 in the first round of the MHSAA Class 5A state tournament. Haywood said every season he has an ultimate goal of wanting to play in the state championship game.

“We’re trying to build a team that can grow towards that achievement,” Haywood said.

The boys’ basketball team opens the season at the Vicksburg Classic 11 a.m. tomorrow.