Survive and Advance – Viqueens Rally Late to Eliminate Riverside 

SHAWN DIGIANFELICE – Sportswriter

DECATURVILLE – A long road trip awaited the Community Viqueens on Friday night as they traveled to Decatur County to face Riverside in the Region 5-AA girls basketball tournament with their season on the line. Community built a double-digit lead in the opening quarter, but Riverside battled back and briefly took the lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Viqueens responded when it mattered most, closing the game on a strong run to earn a 55–50 victory and advance to the region semifinals. The win sets up a Monday night matchup with district rival Loretto.

The Viqueens jumped out to an early 8–0 lead behind junior Alyssa White, who scored the first three baskets of the game. Sophomore Madisyn Hill added a basket before Riverside got on the board with two free throws from Ella Davis. Hill followed with another basket and later connected on a three-pointer to push Community’s lead to 13–3. Riverside stayed within reach thanks to frequent trips to the foul line, attempting 12 free throws in the first quarter alone. However, Community still carried a 21–10 advantage into the second quarter.

 Foul trouble slowed the Viqueens in the second quarter, allowing Riverside’s Lauren Camper to score 12 of her 13 points during the period. Community senior Anna Haskins kept the Viqueens in front, scoring six points to give her team a narrow 29–28 lead at halftime.

 Brooklyn Yoes opened the second half with a three-pointer to extend Community’s lead to 32–28, but Riverside quickly responded. The teams traded baskets and free throws throughout the quarter, with Savannah Pearson and Haskins providing key scoring for Community. Riverside closed the period on a run, and the teams were tied at 41 entering the fourth quarter.

 Riverside opened the final period with a basket and free throw to take a 44–41 lead. Community answered with a basket from Haskins to make it 44-43. Each team traded baskets throughout the first three minutes of the final stanza with Hill, White, and Haskins keeping the Viqueens within striking distance. Yoes delivered in a decisive moment, knocking down a three-pointer with 2:55 remaining to give Community a 52–50 lead. Riverside was unable to score the rest of the way. Hill sealed the win by making three of four free throws in the final minute, securing the 55–50 victory. Community coach Cody Pierce credited his team’s perseverance after a strong start was disrupted by foul trouble. “We started the game well and then had three or four girls get in foul trouble, which allowed Riverside to get back in the game,” Pierce said. “Defensively, we had to be a little hesitant, and that gave them some easy baskets. But we found a way to get it done. At tournament time, that’s all you can ask for.” he concluded.  Haskins led Community with 13 points, followed by Hill with 12 and White with 10. Davis led all scorers with 19 points for Riverside. The win sets up a fourth meeting with district rival Loretto, which has won the previous three matchups. Monday’s contest will be the most important yet, as a victory would send the Viqueens to the Region 5-AA championship game and earn a sectional berth with a chance to advance to the state tournament in Murfreesboro. Tipoff is set for 6:00 at East Hickman High School.

Anna Haskins (3) scored a team high 13 points to help Community to a 55-50 win in the region 5-AA quarterfinal at Decatur Co. Riverside. The Viqueens will face Loretto Monday at 6:00 in the semifinals at East Hickman High School.