JD guard Jada Williams drives past a Prattville defender in the Lady Vols’ win in the Class 6A Area 6 semis at Lanier on Thursday. (Staff Photo)

Staff Report
(Feb. 5, 2010)

LaKenya Knight will take any victory at this time of the year.

The head coach of the Jeff Davis Lady Vols understands after last season’s surprising berth in the Class 6A Central Regional that anything can happen.

So, when the Vols defeated Prattville, 61-44, to advance to the Area 6 championship, there was a sigh of relief.

“You never take anything for granted,” she said. “Everybody has the same record at this stage of the game. We had beaten them 20-plus points both times this year. The score is not indicative as how close this game was.”

JD (22-9) led by only four points for much of the first half and had to deal with the loss of point guard Jatoria Carter late in the third quarter after she suffered a minor head injury.

“She may have a headache when she wakes up in the morning but she is tough,” Knight said. “But she has been in tough situations before.”

A flurry of Lions’ turnovers and JD steals allowed the Vols to pull away late. JD forced 16 turnovers and recorded six steals in the win.

The Vols will face old nemesis Sidney Lanier in the area final. In reversal of fortune, JD has lost twice to the Lady Poets, both times in a close contest. Many on the roster are aware of the rivalry that has developed over the years between the two programs.

“It’s usually a physical game,” said Gabrielle Brown. “We didn’t hold our composure in either one of the games. We can’t back down this time.”

Although both teams are qualified for a spot in the Central Sub-regional next week, Knight would like for her team to overcome what has become and advantage for Lanier.

“This team is still learning,” Knight said. “We have come a long way over the course of the season.  This has been a surprising season. I didn’t expect 20 wins but these girls have fought hard all year. Now, they need to find something to get over the hump against a very good team in Lanier.”

Wearing a pink “Team – JD” T-shirt, Brown stated the players want to win one for the coach.

“She works so hard for us, we need to do the same for her,” Brown said. “She has high expectations. She would get out there and play if she could.”

In Thursday’s win at Walker Joiner Gym at Lanier, Samantha Thomas led JD with 16 points while Brown scored 15. Before the injury, Carter had 10 points in three quarters of play.

Prattville (12-12) was led by Chasi Roberts with 15 and Cori Goodson with 12 points.

Lanier advances to area final

The Lady Poets (25-1) had little trouble with outmanned Robert E. Lee, winning 61-29 in the second game of the Class 6A, Area 6 final.

Taila Arrington had 19 points to lead Lanier while Ashley Henley had a double-double in assists and steals with 10 each.

Lee (4-20) dressed just six players in the game. The Lady Generals were led by Brittan Burgin’s 12 points.