Lady Vikes rock Vicksburg, 75-41|[11/30/07]
Published 12:00 am Friday, November 30, 2007
What was considered to be one of the strongest Warren Central Classic four-team fields in some time, instead produced three runaways Thursday, none more unexpected than the WC Lady Vikes’ thrashing of crosstown rival Vicksburg High 75-41.
The Lady Vikes (6-3) will play Callaway, which won the only close game of the night, beating defending Class 3A champion South Pike 65-60 in overtime. WC and Callaway tangle in the finals today at 7, while Vicksburg (5-4) takes on South Pike at 4.
In the boys bracket, Vicksburg pounded Piney Woods 64-25 while Callaway stomped WC with a big second half to roll 70-39. The two Division 3-4A rivals meet in the boys final at 8:30. WC will meet Piney Woods at 5:30.
The Lady Vikes and Missy Gators had split their two earlier meetings with each team winning on its home court, which included the Missy Gators’ 65-64 win just two weeks ago.
The Lady Vikes (6-3), however, were ready this time. They broke out of the gates to make 16 of 29 shots in the first half, including five 3-pointers to bury the Missy Gators in a 17-point hole at 39-22.
“It helps when you shoot the ball well,” WC coach Donny Fuller said. “We finally showed signs of coming together. Karnina (Bunch) shot the 3-ball better than at anytime this season. If you’re going to run two at K (Sha’Kayla Caples), that’s fine, because we’ll shoot a 3-ball.”
WC made seven 3-pointers in the rout and the Missy Gators had even less success trying to corral Caples.
The two-time reigning Vicksburg Post Player of the Year scored 23 points, snagged 18 rebounds, had five assists, two steals and a block in just three quarters of play. By then, WC was enjoying a 59-30 advantage. Both teams emptied their benches for the fourth quarter.
“We didn’t come to play,” VHS coach Barbara Hartzog said. “For the ones who normally don’t get to play, they did fine. But I’m very disappointed in the ones who are experienced. They didn’t step up.”
Vicksburg shot poorly the whole game and no Missy Gator player reached double figures. VHS made just 17 of 50 shots for the game. Taylor Ammons and Donyeah Mayfield had eight points each to lead VHS.
Bunch finished with 19 points, including 15 on five 3-pointers, four of which came in the first half. She also had four assists. Eleven different Lady Vikes scored.
(B) Porters Chapel 53, Veritas 25
Jacob Rachal scored 11 points, Colby Rushing scored 10 and Porters Chapel Academy won its second straight game to open the season.
(G) Veritas 50, Porters Chapel 18
Paige Moore scored a team-high 10 points to pace Porters Chapel. Airriel O’Banner scored 18 in the win.