Vikettes advance on Demps free throws

Feb. 26—VALDOSTA — In only the second round of the state playoffs, the Lowndes Vikettes have stood out as a must-watch team going forward. For game two, Lowndes High School faced off against Carrollton High School's Trojans in the closest wins of the season, sending the Vikettes to the elite eight via a 57-56 score.

The two teams played a physical game at the Crimson Coliseum, both with impressive records. The Vikettes had a 20-4 record after their recent win against Brookwood. The visitors from Carrollton had an overall record of 24-4 going into the game. After a thrilling match, the Vikettes emerged victorious by a single point, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the end.

The Vikettes dominated the first quarter of the game, scoring 19 points and only allowing two points from the Trojans. The first half of the quarter consisted of the Vikettes being unstoppable in the paint. The home team put up eight points to Carrollton's two inside.

The second half of the quarter made the crowd stand up in excitement with back-to-back three-pointers from Kaci Demps. Teammate Shamiaha Webb kept the momentum going with a three-pointer of her own to end the first quarter.

A score of 19-2 going into the second quarter would be instrumental due to Carrollton's improvement going forward.

Demps started the second quarter with a 3-pointer after an assist from Kimora Wade. Two significant threats to Lowndes' cushy lead were Carrollton's Daija Preston and Madison Swint.

Preston sank a 3-pointer, followed by back-to-back layups from Swint. Preston shot another three, but was matched by Vikettes' Aryana Thomas with one of her own.

The Vikettes ended the half with another 3-pointer from Thomas and a last-second layup from Webb. The half ended 36-23, with the Trojans improving as the game progressed. In the second half, the Trojans forced the Vikettes to play their best to keep their lead.

The second half saw the Trojans outscore the Vikettes in a quick third quarter.

Preston started strong with a three-pointer for the Trojans. Teammate Mya Jones made the home side nervous with back-to-back 3-pointers. The Vikettes maintained their lead with a triple from Wade and six points in the paint from Webb.

Carrollton was determined to take this game back, putting on an incredible last-quarter performance.

The visiting team scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, while the Vikettes scored only 11. The Vikettes were still determined to win, with a 3-pointer from Thomas and an impeccable free throw success rate from Demps.

Unfortunately for the home team, everything they did was being matched and improved upon, leading the Vikettes barely leading 55-53. A deep 3-pointer from Spencer pushed Carrollton toward the win with 25 seconds left in the game.

In their last possession of the game, the Lowndes High School Vikettes passed the ball around, looking for their opportunity to win. A pass to Demps for a run into the paint resulted in two free throw attempts.

Demps sunk both free throws to the crowd's roars, leaving Carrollton six seconds to react. Unable to make the time, the Vikettes took the second round of the state playoffs in a close 57-56.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 pm, Lowndes High School will face the Milton Eagles at the Crimson Coliseum for their third round of the playoffs. The winner advances to the semifinals.