Winners of six of the eight games they have played since returning from a six-week absence, the Columbia Lady Wildcats are streaking as they continue in the Region 8-3A Tournament and close in on the Class 3A playoffs that begin next week.
The Lady Wildcats (10-7, 7-4) went on the road Feb. 4 and beat Seminary in dominant fashion 67-27. Aniyah Fortenberry led the scoring charge with 17 points and received a lot of help from Jasmine Sheppard (14 points), Jaelah Echols (13 points), Patrice Oatis (eight points) and Payshunce Sims (eight points).
On Friday it was the Sheppard show as the point guard knocked down five 3-pointers and scored a career-high 33 points to beat West Marion 62-46 on the road. Not only did she have her jumper working, but she was able to use the threat of it to get in the paint and score off mid-range looks, floaters and layups at the rim. Fortenberry contributed with six points, while Sims added five.
Monday with a trip to the playoffs on the line, Columbia took care of business at home in the first round of the district tournament with a 56-25 win over Seminary. It was Fortenberry’s turn to take the lead as the senior scored a game-high 15 points, and Sheppard added 13 points. Tia Coleman was third on the team in scoring with nine points.
Columbia will travel to Tylertown Thursday for the district semifinals. The Lady Wildcats will play either West Marion or Jeff Davis County Friday either in the championship or consolation game, depending on Thursday’s results. If the Lady Wildcats play West Marion, they will be at home. If they play Jeff Davis, they will be on the road.
