Vidalia boys on bubble
by Joey Martin - posted Thursday, February 14th, 2013 @ 9:53 am

Back in mid-December when the first Class 3A power rankings in boys basketball came out, Vidalia High was sitting at No. 57.

With an 84-70 win Avoyelles Friday night in Vidalia, the Vikings moved up to No. 31 unofficially and appear to be among the teams qualifying for the playoffs.

The official bracket will be released Thursday.

According to kenramsey.com, Vidalia is sitting at No. 31, although the LHSAA has them at 32 and the Vikings could possibly be bumped by McMain.

The top 32 teams advance, while the top 16 host a first-round game.

No. 2 Farmerville finished the season at 21-6, finishing second to Richwood in its district.

Richwood is No. 3. Bossier holds the top spot in 3A.

"One of our goals was making the playoffs," said Vidalia coach Robert Sanders. "We're just waiting to see now. Right now we're trying to find out if we make it, then find out more about our opponent."

Sanders has had to rotate his lineup several times this season because of injuries.

Junior Michael Whitley has played in only two games because of a knee injury.

"Otherwise we should be full strength if we get in," Sanders said.

Sanders said last week had a playoff atmosphere as the Vikings traveled to Marksvile, losing to the Tigers to force a must-win situation against Avoyelles on Senior Night.

Avoyelles defeated Vidalia 51-48 at Avoyelles.

Vidalia led 15-11 after one period and 34-29 at halftime.

The Vikings played what Sanders called an "almost flawless second half," outscoring the Mustangs 50-41 in the second half.

Julius Wilson and Isiah Thompson led Vidalia with 21 points each, while Deion Brown added 16 and Dee Whitley 12.

Vidalia's Lady Vikings finished their season at 3-20, dropping a 48-30 contest to Avoyelles.

Tierra Bell paced Vidalia with eight points.