CENTRALIA — The Mt. Vernon Rams are firmly entrenched in the driver’s seat in the South Seven race after winning at Centralia 43-39, completing a regular season sweep of the rival Orphans.

Mt. Vernon (13-5) improves to 6-0 in the conference, two games up on Centralia and a three up Marion and Carbondale with four to play.

Junior point guard Navontae Nesbit Jr. led the Rams’ attack, not only scoring a game high 19 points, but also setting up teammates for buckets in a defensive slugfest.

Daryle Jones led Centralia (14-4) with 15. Cruz Harlan added 12.

Mt. Vernon has another important game for 3A postseason seeding on tap Saturday night when the Rams travel to 16-1 Herrin. Centralia will face the Tigers in the final game of the West Frankfort Midwinter Classic next Friday night.