In a commanding performance, the Lowndes Vikings defeated the Tift County Blue Devils 63-42 on January 23, 2024, in Valdosta. The Vikings, who currently lead their region, delivered a significant blow to Tift County with a dominant 27-point second quarter that set the tone for the game.
The Blue Devils struggled against the Vikings’ aggressive press defense, resulting in numerous turnovers that allowed Lowndes to capitalize with easy baskets. Junior Lloyd Johnson and senior Wyatt Ferguson were particularly effective, combining for six three-pointers in the first half. This offensive surge transformed a close first quarter into a decisive lead.
Vikings Showcase Versatility and Depth
Lowndes head coach Reshon Benjamin emphasized the team’s ability to adapt their play style. “We know we’re capable of playing a lot of different styles, both offensively and defensively,” he stated. He highlighted how the team was able to effectively utilize their big players alongside sharp shooters, which opened up their offensive strategy.
By halftime, the Vikings led 40-22, and they quickly extended their advantage when Tarrell Green Jr. intercepted a pass, leading to a dunk that made the score 50-29. This forced Tift County coach Charles Burkett to call a timeout with just under a minute left in the third quarter.
Entering the fourth quarter with an 18-point lead, the Vikings continued their momentum, initiating the final period with a 10-0 run, largely thanks to sophomore Bubba Brown, who scored six points during this stretch. The Vikings’ balance was evident, with Brown and Kaiden Brown each contributing 12 points, while Ferguson added 11 points. The team’s depth was further evidenced by big man Kaden Martin, who recorded six points and ten rebounds.
Tift County’s Kaden Lawson managed to score 14 of his game-high 16 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome as the Blue Devils fell to a 6-9 record overall and 1-4 in Region 1-6A.
Vikettes Rally for Thrilling Victory
In a closely contested matchup, the Lowndes Vikettes also emerged victorious, defeating the Tift County Lady Devils 49-42. Despite trailing by as many as 15 points in the second half, the Vikettes demonstrated resilience with a strong fourth-quarter comeback.
Trailing 40-26 with just over four minutes remaining, Tift County launched a spirited 14-3 run, narrowing the gap to three points. This surge was highlighted by a three-pointer from Mariyah Batts, prompting a timeout from the Vikettes with 56 seconds left.
Lowndes head coach Courtney Fleming strategically called a play that allowed leading scorer Kayla Jackson to receive a lob pass for an easy layup, extending the lead back to five points. Despite a late basket from Batts, Jackson secured the win for the Vikettes by sinking four crucial free throws in the final moments.
Jackson finished with 19 points and ten rebounds, marking her fourth double-double of the season. Her performance was vital as the Vikettes improved to a 16-3 record and maintained their undefeated status in Region 1-6A. Payton Fleming contributed eight points, while Laila Foster added six points and thirteen rebounds.
Fleming expressed confidence in her team, despite the absence of starting point guard Gabby Mays, who is recovering from a torn ACL. “We can’t just make things easy on ourselves, right?” she remarked, acknowledging the challenges ahead for her young team.
Looking ahead, Tift County will face off against Valdosta on January 24, 2024, with the girls’ game tipping off at 18:00, followed by the boys’ match at 19:30. The Vikings will host Colquitt County on January 27, 2024, with the girls’ game also starting at 18:00.
