Tiftarea takes regional wins Valwood
Published 6:39 pm Wednesday, January 15, 2025
After a lengthy back-and-forth battle that extended into overtime, Tiftarea won the boys’ game with a score of 67-63.
Valwood’s Ansley Holmes makes a move to compete for a highly contested ball.
Whit Jordan from Tiftarea attempts a three-pointer while guarded by Valwood's Cort Kurrie.
The Lady Valiants faced difficulties in finding their rhythm during the 17-51 loss to Tiftarea.
Valwood's Chase Helfer outmaneuvers Tiftarea's John Robert Walker for a shot at the basket.
HAHIRA— The Valwood Valiants faced a tough night of regional basketball action, squaring off against Tiftarea Academy’s Panthers in a gripping doubleheader that delivered a dominant victory for the Lady Panthers and a nail-biting overtime finish in the boys’ matchup.
TIFTAREA 51, VALWOOD 17
The Tiftarea Lady Panthers showcased their prowess with a decisive 51-17 win over the Lady Valiants. Spearheaded by stellar performances from Madi Shoultz and Kate Phillips, Tiftarea’s relentless offense and stifling defense controlled the game from start to finish.
Shoultz opened the scoring with back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Lady Panthers an early 6-2 lead. Phillips bolstered the momentum with a strong drive to the basket, and by the end of the first quarter, Tiftarea held a 13-4 advantage, with nine points from Shoultz.
The second quarter saw Tiftarea extend its lead with precision shooting and dominance in the paint. Despite baskets from Valwood’s Carolyn Griner and Ansley Holmes, the Lady Panthers carried a commanding 31-13 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, Tiftarea maintained their grip, with Shoultz continuing her three-point streak and Phillips dominating inside. The Lady Panthers ended the quarter with a 49-15 lead, effectively sealing the game before the clock ran out on a shortened fourth quarter.
TIFTAREA 67, VALWOOD 63 (OT)
The boys’ game delivered edge-of-your-seat drama, culminating in an overtime showdown that saw Tiftarea emerge victorious, 67-63.
Valwood started strong, with Jack Morris nailing two key three-pointers to give the Valiants a 17-11 lead after the first quarter.
However, Tiftarea answered in the second quarter, led by Fletcher Walker’s rebounds and Andrew Connell’s drives. By halftime, Valwood clung to a narrow 25-23 lead.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle. Elijah Smith emerged as a key player for Tiftarea, sinking shots from beyond the arc and controlling the boards to push the Panthers ahead 38-35. Valwood’s Reid McPherson fired up the crowd with a powerful dunk and an and-one play, keeping the game within reach.
In a tense fourth quarter, both teams showcased their determination. Valwood’s Chase Helfer dominated the paint, helping tie the game at 59-59 with seconds remaining to force overtime.
In the overtime period, Tiftarea capitalized on Valwood’s fatigue. Smith and Walker delivered clutch points, with Smith’s accuracy during penalty free throws proving decisive. The Panthers managed to hold on to a 67-63 lead as the clock ran out.
The Valwood Valiants will return to the court on Friday as they travel to Dawson, Georgia, to face Terrell Academy in another regional matchup.
