A late surge to regain the lead wasn’t enough as the Thomas County Central Lady Jackets were defeated 50-41 by the Lady Trojans of Dougherty County.

Takiya Davis was the highlight of the game, scoring 20 points for the Lady Trojans.

“We knew (Takiya Davis) was their main ball handler; We knew she was strong offensively,” Central coach Deatrice Hose said.

The Lady Jackets jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter before turnovers plagued them and they fell behind, 16-11, after the first quarter. For the rest of the game, the Lady Trojans never relinquished the lead.

But in the fourth quarter the Lady Jackets turned up the heat, and cut the lead to two midway through the fourth quarter. Markescia Reynolds came off the bench and scored six points, which sparked the Lady Jackets, but once again turnovers allowed the Lady Trojans to extend the lead.

“We definitely made some bad decisions on the transitions,”  Hose said. “We should’ve went in, instead of passing across the court. It was just mental mistakes that cost us the game. Missed a lot of free throws as well. But all in all, I’m proud of them, they didn’t quit.”

Even in defeat, there was still something to celebrate. It was senior night, for the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets. With proud family and friends, Hose had nothing but wonderful things to say about the seniors and what they meant to the team.

“The seniors had good leadership,” Hose said. “We saw some great things from them tonight. They didn’t quit. They were talking on the bench, and were even trying to lead on the sideline.”

Senior center Ashley O’ Neal finished the night with 11 points, and senior shooting guard Bryana Scott scored nine points for the Lady Jackets.