Wilmington, NC - On Friday night, the Lady Vikings grew up, big time.  For most of the season, they have seemed like they could be the team of the future in Wilmington, instead they were the team of today.

Getting key contributions all year from underclassmen, the Vikings finished in second place during the regular season and could not beat Laney in two tries.  But gaining confidence throughout the year, the Hoggard girls played their most complete game and upset the top seeded Lady Bucs 50-32.

“We played them well the first few times, I told the girls ‘remember the feeling when we lost.  If you play your game you can beat anyone,’  head coach Ray Beatty said after celebrating with his team.  “Tonight we played four full quarters, and if we play like that, we can beat anyone.”

After playing a close first quarter, Hoggard went on a run that lasted until the 2:44 mark of the third quarter when McKenzi Edwards hit a shot along the baseline to lift the Lady Vikes to a 39-19 lead, their biggest of the game.

Up 20 points, Hoggard tried to run some clock and lost their aggressiveness on offense.  Laney forced a few consecutive turnovers and cut the lead to twelve after an 8-0 run, but from there the Vikes reassumed looking up court for open players and taking the ball to the hoop.  They outscored the Bucs 11-5 down the stretch.

Katy Norris paced a balanced Hoggard attack with 17 points, while McKenzi Edwards and Danielle Bongiorno dropped in nine apiece, and Kelsey Verhulst added seven.

“We didn’t execute our offense and didn’t give ourselves a chance to win the ball game.  Hoggard played very well - we didn’t do the things we needed to do to counteract.  Defensively, we left our feet too much and they got into the paint.  We got lackadaisical in the second quarter, they stepped up and we didn’t.”  Shatara Jackson’s 13 points led Laney.

But all is not lost for the Lady Bucs who despite not winning their sixth consecutive conference tourney, enter States with a home game on Monday against Durham Riverside at 7:00, and with a win, would host a second round game on Wednesday.  Riverside is the #4 seed out of the CAT 6 Conference and according to Coach Tynes, “They are athletic and quick.  Their size is a good match up for us, and we have the advantage of playing at home.”  Last year, Laney won their regional and were in the sectional finals, one step short of the state championship game.

Hoggard will also host a first round game.  The girls will have to put off their Mideastern Tourney celebration and re-focus for Monday’s game against Clayton.

Post-Tourney Thoughts…

Could this be the changing of the guard?

With sophomore Danielle Bongiorno and freshman McKenzi Edwards in the backcourt, Hoggard looks to have solid guard play for years to come.  After Laney posted five straight conference tourney championships, could we have just witnessed a power shift in local girls’ basketball?  Only time will tell, but it seems like Laney will be challenged to maintain their recent dominance.

Cats could make some noise…

New Hanover may have not played in the conference finals, but the Wildcats were playing their best ball down the stretch and don’t be surprised if Morgan King leads them to a couple of victories in the States.

Down, but not out…

Laney was clearly disappointed after their loss Friday night, opponents take note.  Don’t be surprised if the Bucs come into States on a mission after not winning the conference tourney.