Indians Host STC Tip-Off
The Vidalia High School Indians basketball teams hosted the Southeastern Technical College (STC) Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday. The Lady Indians faced off with West Laurens, while the boys went up against Long County. The Indians came away with wins in both of those games. The boys are currently ranked #6 in the state. Girls vs. West Laurens
The Lady Indians set the tone early in their matchup against West Laurens, unleashing a smothering defense and a fast-paced offense that left the Raiders reeling. Vidalia jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, which held firm through the entire first quarter. West Laurens finally managed to get on the board early in the second quarter, the Lady Indians continued to pull away.
Vidalia continued extending the lead to a big 28-9 margin early in the third quarter. By the final period, the game was firmly in hand with the Lady Indians commanding a 41-13 lead with 7 minutes remaining. The Lady Indians closed out the contest with authority, securing a decisive 48-21 victory. Their defensive pressure and ability to score quickly proved overwhelming for West Laurens throughout the night.
Boys vs. Long Co.
The Indians faced off against Long County in a matchup that featured strong scoring runs from Vidalia’s top athletes. The Indians quickly established control, with Rashad Brown and Jerry Roundtree combining for an initial 8-0 run. Long County broke the drought with a threepointer, but Brown countered with one of his own later in the quarter. Vidalia ended the first quarter up 14-10 in what was a physical, foulheavy period.
In the second quarter, the Indians’ offense found its rhythm, extending the lead thanks to key baskets from Lyric McKennie, and more outside shooting, including a three-pointer from Eion Ryals. While Long County fought hard to match the scoring pace, the Indians took a 28-18 lead into the halftime break.
Vidalia maintained the intensity in the third quarter, with DJ Wallace and Brown keeping pressure on the Long County defense. While Long County managed a brief resurgence late in the period, the Indians held strong. Brown was key toward the close of the quarter, adding another three-pointer and sinking a pair of free throws to push the lead to 45-29 entering the final frame. The fourth quarter saw Adrian Brewton and Jerry Roundtree both connect from beyond the arc as the Indians coasted to a comfortable 62-43 win, sealing the doubleheader sweep. Denarius Atkins and Kashun Coney also contributed key points late in the game to ensure the victory.
