VALDOSTA — Unaffected by the snowy weather, the regional basketball rematch between Valdosta and Lowndes was a déjà vu experience, as the Lowndes Vikettes and Valdosta Wildcats repeated their victories from their previous encounter.

VIKETTES 69, VALDOSTA 39

The Vikettes and Lady Cats wasted no time in the first quarter, with each team trading baskets and setting the tone for a strong offensive showing. 

Lowndes’ Aryana Thomas contributed a rebound and a key three-pointer to help Lowndes take an early 10-7 lead. Valdosta’s Lauren Bloom kept her team close, scoring back-to-back rebound shots and adding free throws to tie the game at 10 before Lowndes regained control. Demps closed out the quarter with a critical and-one play and a three-pointer, pushing the Vikettes to a 16-10 advantage.

In the second quarter, Lowndes gained momentum. Thomas and Leah Jones capitalized on free throws, while Demps delivered another clutch two-pointer. Valdosta struggled to keep up, with Jhakiah Battles and Cierra Ingram contributing points at the line, but Lowndes’ sharp shooting and defensive pressure extended their lead to 28-16 at halftime.

Lowndes dominated the third quarter, with Thomas scoring on rebounds and hitting free throws to widen the gap. Demps was unstoppable from beyond the arc, draining two three-pointers that electrified the crowd and pushed the Vikettes’ lead to 51-30 by the end of the third. Valdosta’s Eberhart and Bloom fought to cut into the deficit with free throws, but the team could not find consistent scoring opportunities against Lowndes’ suffocating defense.

In the final quarter, the Vikettes sealed their victory in commanding fashion. Lowndes surged to 62 points while holding Valdosta to just 35 late in the game. Demps capped off her stellar performance with another three-pointer, and Zylah Cherry added the finishing touch with a rebound basket to secure a decisive 69-39 win for the Vikettes.

WILDCATS 61, LOWNDES 45

The boys’ matchup began with a dunk from Lowndes’ Tarrell Green Jr., igniting the crowd and preparing attendees for an intense game. However, Valdosta quickly took control behind the stellar play of Jabarri Williams, who scored a two-pointer and converted an and-one opportunity to give the Wildcats an early lead. 

Williams continued to shine, hitting a three-pointer and a turnaround jumper that sent the crowd into a frenzy. By the end of the first quarter, Valdosta led 16-8, with Shawn Evans and Nolan Jackson also contributing key points.

The Wildcats’ dominance continued in the second quarter. Williams remained unstoppable, adding free throws and another two-pointer to his tally. RaCobe Studevan made a play off his own rebound to extend Valdosta’s lead to 20-8. Despite efforts from Lowndes’ Isaiah Camon and Kam Jackson, the Vikings could not close the gap. Valdosta’s Brandon Brown stepped up with back-to-back baskets, including a plus-one play, to push the halftime score to 33-21 in favor of the Wildcats.

In the third quarter, Valdosta maintained their offensive onslaught. Corey Howard scored twice under the basket, while Brown delivered back-to-back three-pointers. Williams continued his impressive performance, scoring a buzzer-beating jumper to close the quarter at 50-32. Lowndes’ Camon and Kaden Martin added points for the Vikings, but they were unable to match the Wildcats’ relentless pace.

The fourth quarter saw Valdosta solidify their lead. Howard added two more baskets, and Williams continued to convert key opportunities at the line. Despite a late push by Lowndes, with Martin and Jackson contributing free throws, the Wildcats closed out the game with a 61-45 victory, a more decisive win compared to their previous matchup.

Lowndes’ Vikings will travel to Norman Park to face Colquitt County’s Packers on Friday, while Lowndes is set to battle more Wildcats in their matchup against Camden County.