Friday, February 16, 2001

The Natchez Democrat

LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Vidalia Lady Vikings made a surprisingly

early exit from the Louisiana Class 2A playoffs Thursday with

a 64-59 overtime loss to South Beauregard.

&uot;We played our hardest,&uot; said Vidalia senior Tiyree

Riley. &uot;We did real good on offense; real good on defense

– it was just one of those nights for us.&uot;

Vidalia led by six points at halftime, but South Beauregard

fought back to tie the game at 50 apiece to force overtime.

The Lady Vikings (25-8) were outscored 14-9 in the extra period.

&uot;We played our best,&uot; Riley said. &uot;I’m happy

about that.&uot;

Brendy Ellis led Vidalia with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Wendy

Paul scored 14 points, Natalie McGraw scored 13 and Riley notched

nine points and 12 rebounds.

Tammy Shockley led South Beauregard with 27 points.

The loss means all five Vidalia senior starters – Riley, McGraw,

Paul, Ellis and Sharonda Anderson – have played their last game

together for Vidalia.

&uot;It’s been fun. We’ve been together since eighth grade,&uot;

Riley said. &uot;Probably the best thing to ever happen to me

is playing with them.&uot;

Vidalia at one point this season was ranked No. 2 in the state

and won 17-straight games.