On Friday night, the Richmond Hill High School Lady Wildcats basketball team emerged victorious over the number one ranked team in Region 1-6A, the Lowndes High School Vikettes, winning 42-39.

Lowndes made the three hour drive to Richmond Hill from Valdosta in search of a win, but the Lady Wildcats had different plans for them. 

“This just proves to the girls that we can beat anyone if we play our game, play hard and play together and they did just that,” head girls’ basketball coach Sarah Jones said. 

The win is a huge one for the players, coaches and the basketball program. Beating the number one team in their region puts the Lady Wildcats in a good position for the playoffs and a chance to make a historic run. 

“We actually will be tied for 2nd, but lose out on the tie breaker to both Camden and Lowndes, so we will host Valdosta in one of the play-in games on Monday,” Jones said. “Win that game and you play the second seed in the semi-finals of the region tournament. If you win that game you play for the region championship on Friday and get to host at least the 1st round of the state tournament. So we are hoping to host a few more games at the current RHHS gym!”

With the win over Lowndes, the Lady ‘Cats finish the regular season at an impressive 17-6 record, making it the best win/loss total in Coach Jones’ tenure, including the 2020 season at 17-7. The growth of the program is on full display, with this year being a great example of the work put in by the staff and athletes of the school. 

“It means a lot to continue to build the program,” Jones said. “All the hard work the girls have put in is definitely paying off. We are constantly talking about being better than we were the day before and the girls continue to work hard each day.”

As the Lady ‘Cats head into their next few games, the message from the coach stays the same.

“The message will continue to be to play our game, be disciplined, be prepared and play together,” Jones said. “The playoffs start a new part of the season. Everyone is 0-0 now, so we just have to go out and play hard each night, regardless of results when you played them during the regular season. No team can be overlooked and we are going to prepare hard and play hard!”

The Richmond Hill Lady Wildcats will play host again to Valdosta on Monday. Tip off for the game will be 5pm.