The Natchez High School girls basketball team faced a familiar foe against South Jones Friday night, but couldn’t get the business done on its home base.

The Lady Bulldogs struggled early with defending its opponent, ultimately leading to the 62-55 loss in the second round of MHSAA Class 5A playoffs.

“We made some key mistakes,” Natchez interim coach Willie Woods said. “They didn’t get back on defense a few times when we really needed it.”

The Lady Braves took a commanding lead, 17-9, after sinking five of their six buckets in the first quarter on 3-point shots.

Despite the deficit that remained throughout the game, NHS was able to come within one possession two times in the final few minutes.

Senior Kirdis Clark took a direct drive to the bucket with 3:17 remaining to put the Lady Bulldogs within two, 50-48.

“Everybody underestimated us,” Clark said,

Clark was pushing through leg cramps in the fourth quarter, but fellow senior Destiny Lyles just happened to be the next player in line.

After two technical fouls were called on South Jones, Clark hit 1 of 2 free throws and Lyles sank the next two to keep the game within reach once more, 53-51.

Lyles ended with 17 points.

“I was just cramping up a little bit, but some of my teammates really stepped up,” Clark said.

While Natchez was able to find a rhythm late in the game, the Lady Braves then showed off their speed by scoring eight points within the next 60 seconds to secure the victory.

“They gave me their all, and that’s all I can ask for,” Woods said. “I’m really satisfied. I enjoyed working with this team.”

Clark didn’t go down without giving it her all and ended the night with a game-high 20 points, with 15 in the second half.

She also missed four 3s in the final two minutes in an attempt to give her team the points it needed.

Clark said although she wasn’t able to get the win, she has had an unbelievable career at NHS, including two state championship titles.

“We’ve always been close.” she said. “From winning rings to losing, I’m going to remember everything about the whole experience.”

Natchez end its season at 9-16.