VALDOSTA—Valdosta’s Lady Cats traveled to Bogart, Georgia, over the weekend to participate in the North Oconee Christmas Showcase. They returned home with two impressive victories against Loganville’s Red Devils and Franklin County’s Lions.

Friday’s game against Loganville started with the Lady Red Devils taking the lead at 6-0, but Valdosta’s Caitlyn Williams quickly turned the tide. Williams hit a 3-pointer, a smooth runner, and another 3-pointer to bring the Lady ‘Cats ahead 8-6. 

Loganville’s Sophie Farmer responded with a 3-pointer, and Grace Yancey added another to give the Devils a brief lead. Still, Valdosta’s Lauren Bloom and Williams answered back to end the first quarter with a narrow 16-15 lead.

In the second quarter, Valdosta began pulling away. Lauren Bloom stole the spotlight with a steal and a 2-pointer plus an “and-one,” widening the gap to 19-15. Shakaya Hines and Cierra Ingram added key rebounds and jumpers to extend the Lady ‘Cats’ lead. By halftime, Valdosta had built a comfortable 32-23 advantage, with contributions from Summer Eberhart and consistent free throws by Ingram.

The momentum continued into the third quarter as Valdosta’s defense held strong. Lauren Bloom and Cierra Ingram delivered critical shots, while Christian Wright added a smooth jumper. Valdosta outscored Loganville 9-4 in the quarter’s first five minutes, finishing the third with a commanding 41-29 lead.

The fourth quarter saw Valdosta seal the deal. Caitlyn Williams opened with a clean 2-pointer, followed by Kamari Carter’s back-to-back plays — including a rebound and free throws — pushing the score to 47-29. While Loganville’s Sophia Smith and Ja’Meiyah Pigott tried to rally with a 3-pointer and free throws, Valdosta’s Lauren Bloom, Shakaya Hines, and Jaslyn Moore ensured the Lady ‘Cats stayed ahead. The game ended with Valdosta securing a decisive 54-37 victory.

Caitlyn Williams emerged as a sharpshooter, sinking multiple 3-pointers that set the tone early and helped maintain Valdosta’s lead throughout the game. Lauren Bloom was a dominant force under the basket to keep the momentum on Valdosta’s side. 

The Lady ‘Cats carried that momentum into the event’s second day against Franklin County. In a closely contested game, Valdosta secured a 35-29 victory, with strong performances from Lauren Bloom and Summer Eberhart, who scored 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Before the game, Head Coach E.A. Wilcox reflected on the team’s evolution over the season, emphasizing the impact of changes within the roster. He noted how the team has grown stronger despite facing setbacks and navigating adjustments. 

“Our chemistry is better now, our camaraderie is better now, so I think that is helping us move forward to having better games in the future,” Wilcox shared. 

Valdosta’s last stop before regionals will be the BSN Holiday Hoopfest, where they will compete against various teams, starting with Brooks County’s Trojans.