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Vidalia High School’s BreHonor Harris’ basketball career didn’t end the way she thought it would, but it made her realize just how much she loved playing in a Lady Viking uniform.

The senior posted 20 points, but it wasn’t enough as Peabody defeated Vidalia 53-38 in its final game of the season.

“I thought we were going to win, but we played hard,” Harris said. “I feel like Vidalia girls haven’t had a great season in a long time, but I know we tried. We all came together as a group, and it makes me emotional because everybody was trying their best.”

The Lady Vikings were in contention for most of the night and only trailed Peabody by two points at the end of the third quarter, 30-28.

After senior Jalyn Smith fouled out with five minutes to play, however, Vidalia was forced to rely on its youth for the remainder of the game.

In Smith’s absence, VHS gave up seven points in a matter of 40 seconds to allow Peabody to pull away.

“I think the pressure got to them a lot,” Lady Viking coach Gary Stewart said. “The freshman had to play in the fourth quarter, and they aren’t used the atmosphere. Having one of my best players foul out played a big part (in the loss.)”

Within the first two minutes of the third quarter, VHS went on 7-0 run to help it climb back from a 19-11 halftime deficit. Harris opened the period with an easy layup to motivate the crowd.

“They wanted it for our seniors,” Stewart said. “All of them played like it was their last game, because it was for some of them.

“I love (Harris.) I’ve never been around a young girl who fights and never gives up like she does. It is going to be hard to replace a senior like that. She did everything for me, and she is going to leave a big mark on Vidalia High School.”

Despite the loss, Stewart said it’s been an enjoyable year.

“I’m proud of them. I really am,” he said.

The Lady Vikings end their season at 5-15 and 4-9 in LHSAA District 3-3A.

Peabody (boys) 76, 

Vidalia 27

Vidalia struggled getting into an offensive rhythm as the Vikings fell to Peabody 76-27 in boys action.

Peabody pressured Vidalia from all angles making it hard for VHS to sink shots.

“It seemed to rattle us,” Vidalia coach Robert Sanders said. “I guess its one of those nights that we couldn’t get anything going. Their pressure forced us into uncomfortable situations.”

The Vikings also had a hard time rebounding and allowed Peabody to get multiple chances off of its under-the-basket possessions.

Vidalia had the most success when it made long passes across the court to get ahead of Peabody’s quick nature.

“We knew they were a fast and aggressive team,” Sanders said. “We had to just take time and find open shots. We have to bounce back next week.”

Demarco Brown led Vidalia with nine points.

The Vikings (10-14, 6-6) will continue their season at home Tuesday against Avoyelles.

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