Lowndes and Valdosta split regional wins in rivalry showdown
Published 1:57 pm Monday, January 13, 2025
Valdosta's Brandon Brown sinks the game-winning three-pointer, leaving Lowndes with almost no time to respond.
Valdosta's Brandon Brown sinks the game-winning three-pointer, leaving Lowndes with almost no time to respond.
Lowndes' Kaci Demps charges into the paint, embodying the intensity that defined Saturday night's game.
Lowndes' Kam Jackson soars to the basket, attempting to add crucial points in a close final quarter.
Valdosta's Meyuana Webb sets a solid screen, creating an opening for Cierra Ingram to take her shot at the basket.
VALDOSTA— The infamous rivalry between Lowndes High and Valdosta High took center stage Saturday night, delivering a thrilling showcase of talent, grit, and school pride. The doubleheader featured a commanding performance by the Lowndes Vikettes in the girls’ game, followed by a nail-biting finish in the boys’ that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
VIKETTES 71, LADY CATS 42
The night began with the girls’ game, where the Lowndes Vikettes showcased their dominance with a victory over Valdosta’s Lady Wildcats. The game opened in a hard-fought battle, with both teams trading baskets in a tough first quarter that ended tied at 12-12 after Valdosta’s Jhakiah Battles sank a three-pointer at the buzzer.
In the second quarter, Lowndes found its rhythm, sparked by Aryana Thomas’ quick steal and assist to Kaci Demps for an easy layup. Valdosta’s Lauren Bloom kept the Lady Wildcats in contention, scoring consistently from the free throw line and under the basket.
Despite Bloom’s efforts, Lowndes’ defense tightened, forcing turnovers that Thomas and Demps converted into baskets. Kayla Jackson’s fearless drives to the basket, coupled with her mid-range shooting, pushed the Vikettes to a 35-27 halftime lead.
The third quarter belonged entirely to Lowndes as the Vikettes had fully adapted to the Wildcats. Shamiaha Webb opened the half with two quick baskets, and Aryana Thomas drilled a three-pointer to extend the lead. The Vikettes capitalized on Valdosta’s turnovers, with Aryana Thomas and Demps continuing to score at will. By the end of the quarter, Lowndes had surged ahead 50-28.
In the final quarter, Lowndes left no doubt about the outcome. Jackson and Demps combined for several quick baskets, while Leah Jones and Emani Clark added late contributions. Valdosta’s Bloom and Battles provided a few bright spots with their scoring, but it was not enough to stop the Vikettes. The game would end in a Vikette victory with a score of 71-42.
WILDCATS 51, VIKINGS 49
The boys’ game was a closer affair, as the Vikings and Wildcats battled down to the wire in a game filled with dramatic momentum shifts.
The first quarter was a defensive struggle, with neither team able to pull away. Valdosta’s Jabarri Williams and Brandon Brown combined for early points, giving the Wildcats a slim 9-8 lead by the end of the quarter. Lowndes’ Jahmarcus Walker kept the Vikings close with a late three-pointer to energize the home crowd.
The second quarter saw the intensity ramp up as the lead swapped throughout the quarter. Lowndes’ Isaiah Camon and Kaden Brown hit key shots to put the Vikings ahead briefly, but Valdosta’s Brandon Brown and Williams answered with scoring of their own. A late three-pointer by Brown sent the Wildcats into halftime with a narrow 23-20 lead.
The third quarter was a showcase for Valdosta’s Williams, who scored from all over the court, hitting mid-range jumpers and a clutch three-pointer to extend the Wildcats’ lead. Lowndes refused to go quietly, with Walker and Camon hitting big shots to keep the Vikings within striking distance. Heading into the final quarter, Valdosta held a 40-33 advantage.
The fourth quarter brought the drama to a climax. Lowndes came roaring back behind Walker and Jackson, who hit back-to-back three-pointers to cut the lead to just one point. Jackson then completed an and-one play to give the Vikings the lead at 44-42. Valdosta responded with a thunderous dunk by Kaleb Johnson to tie the game, and the teams traded free throws as the tension mounted.
With under a minute to play, Valdosta’s Brown hit a three-pointer to give the Wildcats a 51-49 lead. Lowndes had a final opportunity to tie or take the game, but their last-second shot missed the mark, sealing the Wildcats’ hard-fought victory.
Lowndes and Valdosta will continue their schedules on Tuesday, with Valdosta at Colquitt County and Lowndes facing non-region Thomasville in the Rose City.
