Wilcox Central wasn’t affected by Keith High’s Blackout theme for its basketball contest on Friday night.

Jahyree Bennett scored 25 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and made five assists as the Jaguars cruised to a 57-44 victory.

It was the Jaguars’ second victory over Keith over the last week. Wilcox Central (4-2) prevailed 68-64 at home in Camden last week.

Keith High’s coaching staff, cheerleaders and fans wore designed black t-shirts with a yellow Panther logo in yellow trim.

Wilcox Central jumped out to a 13-4 first quarter lead as Bennett had five points. Keith only made two field goals in the opening quarter.

The Bears’ cold shooting continued into the second quarter, trailing 24-14 at halftime. Brandon Dear had five of his 12 points in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, Wilcox Central’s defense forced Keith into making several mistakes. The Bears had 22 turnovers.

“We hit some open shots early and we got momentum,” Bennett said.

Keith (1-5) had three double figure scorers: Arayvion Jones and Victor Milhouse Jr. each had 11 points and Kendarius Perry scored 10. But by the time they reached double-digits, Wilcox Central had the game in hand. Perry missed all 10 of his three-point attempts.

“We started the game out slow,” Bears coach Clifton Reeves said. “We missed wide open layups and three point shots. We couldn’t get into a rhythm. The turnovers hurt us.”

Reeves, however, is confident the Bears will bounce back.

“We will turn things around and get it straightened out,” Reeves said. “This is Keith basketball.”

The Bears will be on the road Tuesday night at Calhoun against sophomore point guard Jerdarrian Davison, who already has scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn and UNLV. Next Friday, Keith travels to Selma High.

Wilcox Central girls 52, Keith 38: Jahmyah Pettway scored 15 of her 33 points in the fourth quarter as the Lady Jaguars pulled away. Wilcox Central led only 30-28 after three quarters and Pettway took over.

Jakira Simmons led the Lady Bears with 15 points, while Erica Smiley added 10.