A 9-1 run to close the first half gave Block High School the momentum it needed as it stormed past Sicily Island High School 65-24 in girls basketball.

The spurt broke open what was a competitive first half.

“We started out playing like winners. The girls say that winners can go from 0 to 100 fast,” Block coach Veronica Savage said. “Coming from the Christmas break, I think we did OK.”

Block had four players reach double-figures in scoring led by Makayla Mackey’s 13 points and Jahnia Walker’s 12. Lakisica Bowman and Delicia Ceasor each contributed with 11 points apiece, while each player encouraged on another along the way.

“My main thing is, we have to cheer for each other,” Savage said. “We run if we don’t cheer, just like we do if we miss layups or free throws. If we don’t motivate and push each other forward, then that’s a big problem. Our motto is effort, and I’m feeling that this year.”

Aniya Brown led the Lady Tigers with 16 points, while Jenna Chauvin and Janisha Smith each had four points.

“We started off playing really well, and at the end they kind of gave up,” Sicily Island coach Yolonda Wilson said. “I tell them not to give up and to play hard until the end, but I think they got a little tired.”

Block play at 3:20 p.m. today against Franklin Parish, while Sicily Island won’t play again until Jan. 3 when it hosts Tensas High School.

“We’re going to practice, play hard and try to win some district games,” Wilson said.