VALDOSTA— Tuesday night featured all that fans could want from regional basketball as Lowndes High faced off against Colquitt County’s Packers in exciting back-to-back games. The Vikettes secured a commanding 64-37 victory, while the Vikings fell short in a seesaw 43-39 loss.

GIrls’ Game

The girls’ game set the tone at Lowndes High School early, with Lowndes High’s Vikettes overcoming a slow start to claim a decisive win over Colquitt County’s Lady Packers.

The game opened with a defensive battle as both teams battled for momentum in the first quarter. Lowndes’ Bryanna Thomas answered with a three-pointer. Still, Colquitt County’s Amira Walters-Smith and Amareyia Knighton found success in the paint, pushing the Packers ahead 15-8 by the end of the quarter. Walters-Smith’s aggressive drives and precision at the free-throw line were key to the Packers’ early push.

Lowndes found their rhythm in the second quarter, with Shamiya Webb scoring off back-to-back rebounds to narrow the gap. Kaci Demps’ layup gave the Vikettes momentum, while Kayla Jackson’s fearless drives and a clutch three-pointer put Lowndes in the lead, 24-20. The Vikettes outscored the Packers 18-7 in the quarter, heading into halftime with a 26-22 advantage.

The Vikettes exploded offensively after halftime, starting with another three-pointer from Jackson. Demps and Thomas contributed key baskets, while Lowndes’ defense stifled Colquitt County’s efforts. The Vikettes extended their lead to 44-30 by the end of the quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and dominating rebounds.

Lowndes sealed the game with a relentless offensive surge in the final quarter. Arianna Thomas showcased her range with two three-pointers, and Demps added another from beyond the arc. The Vikettes’ defense allowed Colquitt County limited opportunities, while Payton Fleming and Leah Jones added late contributions to secure the commanding 64-37 win.

Boys’ Game

The boys’ game kept fans on both sides on the edge of their seats with an intense back-and-forth battle. In the end, the Packers were able to pull ahead in the final quarter in a close finish. 

The game opened with a similar defensive standoff before the Packers sank a three-pointer to break the silence. Ra’Quavian Kinsey added points under the basket for the Packers, but Lowndes’ Kam Jackson kept the Vikings in the game with back-to-back three-pointers. A late dunk by Tarrell Green Jr. energized the crowd, and Jackson’s final three-pointer of the quarter gave Lowndes an 11-9 lead to close out the first quarter.

Colquitt County responded in the second quarter with Kanilyn Jones’ jumper and a three-pointer from Cason Harden. Lowndes fought back with a strong effort from Kaden  Martin and a clutch three-pointer by Dallas Montgomery that briefly put the Vikings ahead. However, the Packers’ Jakari Byrd ended the half with a pair of baskets, giving Colquitt County a slim 20-19 lead at the break.

The game’s physicality intensified in the third quarter, with both teams quickly exchanging baskets. Martin’s persistence under the basket helped Lowndes retake the lead, and Isaiah Camon and Kaiden Brown added key points to extend the Vikings’ advantage. Jackson struck again from beyond the arc, pushing the Vikings to a 31-27 lead heading into the final quarter.

Colquitt County’s offense took off in the final quarter, outscoring the Vikings 16-8. The Packers tied the game at 35-35 before Marcus Moore’s layup gave them a late edge. Lowndes’ Jackson and Martin kept the Vikings within striking distance, but a powerful dunk by Alexis Barge Jr. and two clutch free throws from Jones sealed the Packers’ 43-39 victory. 

Lowndes High Basketball will stay home for the next set of regional games on Saturday for a highly anticipated series of games against Valdosta High School.