The Quitman Bulldogs split games last week, overwhelming Winona and falling to Mt. Vernon in a great effort. 

Head Coach Blake Hamrick said, “I was proud of our effort this week with school cancelations and no practices. I think we are getting better each game at learning to play without Maddy (Pence) and some kids have had a really good few games,” Hamrick said. “Annabelle (Popek) and Kaylie (Wood) have played well in the post. We are very balanced in terms of scoring which I love. Now we just have to go finish the season strong.”

After being unable to field a team during the first of district, Winona was able to play in Quitman last Tuesday night. This one got out of hand early and the Lady Bulldogs scored a decisive 58-1 win over the Lady Wildcats. 

Lady Bulldog post players Popek with 16 points and Wood with 10 ruled the lanes offensively and on defense. In a well-balanced offensive effort Ashley Davis added eight points, Allie  Berry six, Kaysie Parker five, Sadie Vander Schaaf four, Larkin Spears and Addie Marcee three each, Sophia Reynolds two and Alexus Richey one. 

The 39-31 loss to Mt. Vernon last Friday night was a far cry from the 47-16 loss the Lady Tigers put on Quitman in their first district game. 

The Lady Bulldogs again got great games out of Popek and Wood. Mt. Vernon raced to a 6-0 lead, but a pair of Wood scores cut it to 6-4. Mt. Vernon hit a three making it 9-4 with just over a minute left in the quarter. Vander Schaaf hit a late basket and the score was 9-6 after the first quarter.

The second quarter was all Mt. Vernon as they put on a 14-2 run and take a 23-8 score into halftime. The third quarter found the dynamic duo of Popek and Wood each hitting a pair of buckets as the Lady Bulldogs pulled within 28-18 going into the final eight minutes.

The Lady Bulldogs pulled within 32-26 after a pair of Vander Schaaf buckets with just over two minutes to play, but that would be as close as they would get. Vander Schaaf played an all-around sound game with her hustle and pin-point passing.

Wood led the team in scoring with eight and added five rebounds. Vander Schaaf and Popek each had six points, Spears four, Parker three with Berry and Davis getting two each.

The Lady Bulldogs are at 16-14 on the year and 5-6 in district action. The Lady ‘Dogs played at home against state-ranked Winnsboro Tuesday night. Going into the game the Lady Bulldogs still have a shot at the playoffs.

If they lose to Winnsboro, and Mineola loses to Chapel Hill, the two Wood County rivals will square off in a one-game playoff for the final district team in bi-district action. If that happens, the teams will play at Winnsboro Gym Thursday at 6:30 p.m.