Sports
Lady Vikings Lose Overtime Heartbreaker In Albany
By: Megan Stamper
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After a scrappy, physical game, the Alexander Lady Spartans topped the Vinton County Lady Vikings 42-40.
After missing the winning basket at the end of regulation, the Vikings and Spartans headed into overtime tied at 37.
Both defenses were forcing the other team to make turnovers and sloppy passes which led to a fast paced, messy start. Vinton County was not able to penetrate Alexander’s zone. The lack of driving to the basket forced the Lady Vikings to take uncomfortable shots on the perimeter, shooting only 23 percent from behind the arc.
Two of the main leaders for the Vikings, senior Megan Dixon and sophomore Michaela Puckett, combined for seven turnovers. Turnovers have plagued Vinton County all season and tonight, Alexander took advantage of the turnovers to get fast break points.
Despite Puckett’s 13 points, head coach Mark Dixon was not pleased with her performance. “I think Puckett didn’t step up for us like she’s supposed to tonight,” Dixon said. “When it’s in a tough game she doesn’t step up, and in easy games she does. It’s time for her to step [her game] up.”
Sophomore Jalen Hale found herself in the leadership role tonight for Vinton County. She racked up 13 points to tie with Puckett for the leading scorer, and crashed the boards all night ending up with 10 rebounds for a double-double. Dixon was satisfied with Hale’s performance. “[Hale] did really well tonight, I was proud of her and she’ll find herself back in the starting line up next game.”
At the end of regulation, Vinton County could not capitalize on their many opportunities to score the winning basket. In overtime, their inability to make the easy shots and free throws eventually led to the loss.
Vinton County will try to get back on the winning track when they travel to Marietta to face the Lady Tigers in a non-conference matchup on Jan. 27.
The Lady Spartans will also hit the road for a non-conference game against River Valley on Jan. 25.