VALDOSTA — The Valdosta High School boys’ basketball team faced intense back-to-back days of regional play, narrowly losing to Richmond Hill in a thriller but bouncing back with an impressive victory against Camden County. 

The Lady ‘Cats of Valdosta, however, had a tough weekend, dropping Saturday’s home game by a 59-36 score. Friday, they fell at Richmond Hill, 52-33.

Valdosta’s first regional game against Richmond Hill was a nail-biter from start to finish, ultimately ending in a 49-47 loss for the Wildcats. Richmond Hill’s offense surged ahead in the final moments, scoring a decisive 14 points compared to Valdosta’s 10 in the last quarter.

The Wildcats rebounded strongly in their next game, delivering a 57-45 victory over Camden County. Valdosta started the game with intensity, as Brandon Brown opened the scoring with a strong drive to the basket. The first quarter saw both teams trading shots, with Jerry Butler and Braylan Deas hitting big three-pointers to keep Valdosta narrowly ahead, 17-16, at the buzzer.

In the second quarter, Valdosta took control of the game. Corey Howard led the charge with powerful plays in the paint, while Deas and Jabarri Williams added critical points to extend the lead. The Wildcats’ defense tightened, limiting Camden’s scoring to only six points and allowing Valdosta to head into halftime with a commanding 36-22 advantage.

The second half saw the Wildcats maintain their momentum, with Terrell Walker and Howard continuing to dominate offensively. Camden’s Caleb Reed attempted to spark a comeback with a few key shots, but Valdosta’s consistent scoring kept the lead intact. 

In the final quarter, Camden showed flashes of resistance with contributions from Travis Herrin and David Coleman. However, Valdosta’s Williams sealed the win with several impressive drives to the basket, including an and-one play that electrified the crowd. Brown capped off the game with a three-pointer, solidifying the Wildcats’ 57-45 victory.

CAMDEN 59, LADY ‘CATS 36

Valdosta was game early with Camden in Saturday’s varsity opener, battling back from an early 7-2 deficit to take a 9-7 lead.

To do that, Valdosta got a pair of free throws from Shakaya Hines at 4:08. Soon, Christan Wright swiped a ball and fed Caitlyn Williams on a fast break. Williams was fouled as she scored and nailed the bonus, tying the score at 7-7

Williams gave the Lady Wildcats a 9-7 lead on a drive to the hoop.

Camden rallied for the next nine points and were ahead 16-10 after a quarter.

Lauren Bloom’s jumper kept the margin at six points early in the second, but the visiting Wildcats exploded from there, holding Valdosta to only four more points over the remaining six minutes. They were up 35-16 at halftime.

Hines, Summer Eberhart and Cierra Ingram had baskets in the third, but Valdosta’s best quarter was the fourth. They outscored Camden, 12-11. Hines hit a turnaround jumper and Kamari Carter scored on a steal.

Hines led VHS scorers with 11 points.

Valdosta’s upcoming regional game against Lowndes High School is set to be as entertaining as ever, with both teams sharing similar season records. The game will take place at Lowndes High School on Saturday, with the games starting at 6 p.m.