VALDOSTA— The Lowndes Vikettes concluded a strong season by reaching the Elite Eight in the GHSA State Playoffs. Now that the postseason has ended, the coaching staff can reflect on a hard-fought journey.

The Vikettes fell in a close matchup to Grayson’s Rams—the same team that ended their playoff run last season. This recent performance against the Rams was a vast improvement over last season’s 66-25 defeat. 

Head Coach Courtney Fleming discussed that one of the many strengths the Vikettes had going into this season was her seniors. Two of the key contributors for the Vikettes were seniors Kaci Demps and Aryana Thomas, whose performances on the court delivered an influx of consistent points on the board. Fellow senior, Shamiaha Webb was also instrumental on the inside. 

With many senior leaders leaving the roster, Fleming is confident in what has been passed down to the rising seniors. Kayla Jackson and Bryanna Thomas are two juniors whom Fleming believes will help fill the void left by those leaving.

When discussing the improvements made and the areas the Vikettes need to focus on, Fleming highlighted their progress in closing out games. The Vikettes never lost a game by more than eight points, and Fleming plans to continue emphasizing the importance of finishing games strongly. Going into next season, Fleming is focused on making up the points lost from losing her star seniors.

Coach Fleming reflected on what this team has meant to her, emphasizing her pride in her players and the program.

“This has been the honor of a lifetime for me. I will tell everybody who will listen that there is not a high school better to be a part of than Lowndes High School,” Fleming said. “There’s not a group of girls that I would ever want to coach more than I do the girls that wear the Vikette jersey.”