Indians Basketball Closes Out Regular Season
The Vidalia High School basketball teams wrapped up their regular season in dominant fashion last week, securing a clean sweep of victories against rival Toombs County and Savannah Country Day. Both the Lady Indians and the Indians enter the postseason with momentum after showcasing resilience and offensive firepower in their final contests.
Girls vs. Toombs Co.
The Lady Indians opened the rivalry series with a convincing 61-34 victory over the Toombs County Lady Bulldogs. The game began as a tightly contested battle, with Vidalia holding a narrow 16-12 lead after the first quarter thanks to early buckets from Ze Rollins and a three-pointer by Mischa Wardlaw. Defense defined the second quarter for both squads, as points came at a premium. Vidalia managed to extend their advantage slightly, taking a 24-17 lead into the halftime break. The defensive pressure continued into the third quarter, where the Lady Indians held Toombs to just five points, widening the gap to 32-22 heading into the final frame.
The Vidalia offense erupted in the fourth quarter to put the game completely out of reach. The Lady Indians nearly doubled their score in the final eight minutes, pouring in 29 points. Ze Rollins was a force in the paint, scoring repeatedly during the run, while Takaiyah Bacon and Jordyn Goings added critical baskets to turn a competitive game into a blowout.
Boys vs. Toombs Co.
The boys’ matchup proved to be a much grittier affair, requiring a second- half comeback for the Indians to claim a 46-39 win. Vidalia struggled to find the bottom of the net early, managing only four points in the opening quarter as Toombs County jumped out to a 10-4 lead.
The offensive woes continued in the second quarter, and the Indians found themselves trailing 24-16 at halftime. However, Vidalia emerged from the locker room with renewed energy. Powered by crucial baskets from Rashad Brown and a key three-pointer from Bernard Brewton, the Indians outscored the Bulldogs 17-8 in the third quarter to snatch a slim 33-32 lead.
The fourth quarter was a defensive standoff, but Vidalia executed when it mattered most. The Indians held Toombs to just seven points in the final period while capitalizing at the free-throw line. Late foul shots from Kashun Coney and Lyric McKennie helped seal the hardfought victory and complete the sweep of their county rivals.
Girls vs. Country Day
Vidalia continued their winning ways against Savannah Country Day, edging out the Hornets in a 57-50 thriller. The game was a back-and-forth battle from the tip, with the Lady Indians holding a razorthin 28-26 lead at the half after trading baskets for two quarters.
The contest remained tight throughout the third quarter, but timely shooting kept Vidalia in front. Takaiyah Bacon hit a clutch three-pointer late in the period, helping the Lady Indians take a 43-40 advantage into the fourth. In the final quarter, composure at the line made the difference. As the Hornets tried to rally, Vidalia capitalized on fouls to maintain their lead. Ze Rollins and Tori Polke sank critical free throws down the stretch, and a late bucket by Bacon secured the seven-point win.
Boys vs. Country Day
The Indians capped off the successful week with a 45-37 win over the Savannah Country Day boys. Unlike their previous game, Vidalia jumped out to a fast start. Brycen Burns provided the spark, draining two three-pointers in the opening quarter to help build a 15-6 lead.
Savannah Country Day fought back in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 27-24 by halftime. The third quarter turned into a defensive struggle, with both teams finding it difficult to score. Vidalia managed to hold onto a 3630 lead heading into the fourth.
Rashad Brown proved to be the difference-maker in the final period, hitting a huge three-pointer to extend the lead to 39-31 and give the Indians breathing room. The defense held firm in the final minutes, limiting the Hornets' opportunities. Late free throws from Jerry Roundtree and Bernard Brewton ensured the Indians finished the regular season with a victory.
The Lady Indians finished the regular season with an 18-6 overall record, and were a perfect, 12-0 in Region play. The boys were 21-2 overall and were 9-1 in the Region. This week VHS hosts the Region Tournament. The VHS girls will play on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. and the boys will follow.
