Lady Tigers Roll to Elite Eight

Editor's Note: Come back to Patch on Thursday to see a complete fan photo gallery.

The girls team has only seen the “elite eight” of the state tournament once coming into this season. “Not since 96-97,” said head coach Chet Forsh. And that was in a time when teams played one fewer round than they do today.

Tuesday the top-ranked Lady Tigers matched that team from 14 years ago by winning on their home court in front of a packed house against Mays High School, 80-55.

The first half started with both teams scrambling on offense; possibly a case of nerves on both sides. As the two teams settled in, and the Lady Tigers assumed control, it was two seniors that stepped up for their respective teams.

For Mays, Kristi Ware scored nine points including a late 3-pointer to keep the Lady Raiders within 10 points of the Lady Tigers.

The Douglas County catalyst was the consistent leadership of Kristina Wells. Wells set the tone early for her team on defense by getting her hands in passing lanes leading to steals and fast breaks. Wells scored 13 of her team-high 25 points in the first quarter as the Lady Tigers led 36-26.

Douglas County reeled off a 16-5 run to start the second half bringing the crowd to its feet. Foul trouble forced Forsh to go to his bench in the second half and senior forward Viveca Jones answered the call. Jones contributed 14 points and seven rebounds playing most of the second half and helping the Lady Tigers build an insurmountable lead.

Three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter by Ware would cut the lead to 17, but the Mays Lady Raiders would get no closer.

Thanks to a balanced offensive attack that finished with five players in double figures along with dominant play in the low blocks by Christin Mercer, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks, the Lady Tigers cruised to victory.

Douglas County remains unbeaten at 29-0 and will take their shot to reach the final four at the University of West Georgia at 4 p.m. on Friday.