photo by Marcus Frazier

Vidalia High’s Gary Stewart goes up for a lay up in the midst of Sicily Island’s Karlos Gary and Alex James Tuesday evening when the Vikings beat the Tigers 66-47. Stewart scored a total of 19 points.

Vikings use big third quarter to run past Sicily Island

By Matt Burrowes | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, November 28, 2007

VIDALIA — The Vidalia Vikings got off to a very slow start, but rallied to a 66-47 victory over Sicily Island.

“Everyone wanted to shoot threes in the first quarter,” Vidalia head coach Robert Sanders said. “Once we got in our heads to go inside, we pulled away.”

Sicily Island built a five-point lead in the first period only to see it disappear due to the Vikings stiff defense.

“We had to make adjustments,” Sanders said. “We started keying on their ball handlers and No. 11 (Karlos Gary).”

Gary led Sicily Island with 21 points, 12 coming in the first half.

After going into the half with a three point lead, the Vikings outscored Sicily Island 24-10 in the third period.

Sophomore Gary Stewart led Vidalia with 19 points. Ten of his points came in the third.

Sanders said Gary was one of their go to guys and he could score from anywhere on the court.

With the win the Vikings improve to 3-1 on the season.

Vidalia girls 49, Sicily Island 15

Tyshiea Rodgers and Rachael Wagoner combined for 28 points in the 49-15 blow out of the Lady Tigers.

The Lady Vikings constantly pressured Sicily Island into making turnovers in which they capitalized on.

Vidalia’s defense held Sicily Island to just two points in the first half.

After building a 39-point lead, the Lady Vikings used the fourth period to run out the clock.

Rodgers led the way for Vidalia with 20 points while Wagoner was right behind with 18 for the Lady Vikings.

Sicily Island was led by Angelica Branson with nine points.

The Vikings will host the Vidalia Tournament, which begins Thursday.