On Saturday night, the Lowndes Vikings played host to the rival Valdosta Wildcats, and in similar fashion to their matchup across town a few weeks prior, both varsity home teams pulled out wins in thrilling contests. The visiting Wildcats urged their fans to show up and support, sporting appropriate attire for the requested “gold out”, but the jam-packed stands were not enough to push Valdosta over the top.
Lowndes Vikettes 66, Valdosta Lady Cats 57 (OT)
The Lowndes Vikettes came out strong; however, so did the Lady Cats, and the score was indicative of the effort. At the end of the first quarter, Lowndes enjoyed a slim 18-13 edge on the scoreboard. The Lady Cats refused to go down without a fight, and managed to tie the game with a 5-0 run to open the second quarter.
Lowndes’ point guard Tatiana Walker made quite the statement heading into the locker room, as she drilled a clutch three-pointer from about two feet behind the top of the key with about two seconds remaining in the second quarter. Her bucket sent the home team into the half with a 30-28 advantage.
Valdosta had ample opportunity to close the game out in four quarters, but one particular problem that would eventually seal their fate was their inability to take advantage of opportunities at the free-throw line. The Lady Cats were able to take the lead late in regulation after a long ball from Asia Harrison put them on top, 51-49. Soon after, Lowndes’ Akasha Williams responded by converting two at the stripe. Lady Cats’ Desinee Arnold had a look to snatch the game near the buzzer, but her three-point attempt came off the left side of the rim.
In overtime, it was an all-Vikettes affair, as the home team outscored the Lady Cats 15-6 in the extra outing.
Current Standings
Lowndes: 15-8 (4-3 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
Valdosta: 11-12 (3-3 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
Upcoming Games
Lowndes: February 2 at Lee County (9-12, 0-6 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
Valdosta: February 5 vs. Colquitt County (16-8, 5-2 in Region 1-AAAAAA)*
Lowndes Vikings 69, Valdosta Wildcats 63
In the late game, revenge was dished out as well, as the Vikings took a six-point win over the Wildcats. In a high-intensity contest, the visiting ‘Cats were able to blow the lid off the gym as they opened the night with a 9-0 run.
Valdosta surged ahead by as many as 16 points in the third quarter. Making statements throughout the night was senior Kendall Hicks, who was playing Lowndes in their building for the first time as a Wildcat (as he attended Lowndes up until his senior year).
Although the team spent a majority of the game trailing by double digits, Lowndes wouldn’t lay down, however, and on the strong efforts of Christian Knight, Coyshon Roberts, and Jalen Lee, the Vikings were able to tie the game at 61 with less than two minutes remaining before ultimately closing it out in regulation.
Current Standings
Lowndes: 14-10 (3-4 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
Valdosta: 9-13 (1-5 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
Upcoming Games
Lowndes: February 2 at Lee County (9-12, 3-3 in Region 1-AAAAAA)
Valdosta: February 5 vs. Colquitt County (6-13, 3-4 in Region 1-AAAAAA)*
*Senior Night
In the Game / Web-Only
Basketball Recap: Valdosta-Lowndes
There’s No Place Like Home
By James Washington
Photo courtesy of Jamie Wachter
