Lady Bulldogs victorious in opening district game

In order to win a district championship and gain a spot in the playoffs, a win in the first district game is almost a must. Having won the last several district titles, the Ville Platte Lady Bulldogs know this fact all too well. With that in mind, the Lady Bulldogs took one step closer to the 2015 district 4-3A championship by defeating the Church Point Lady Bears 52-44 Friday night in the district opener for both teams.
Things did not look good for Ville Platte in the opening part of the game. The Lady Bears took control of the game in the first quarter. Church Point scored 14 points in the initial period to take a 14-13 lead over the defending district champs. Kabreonna Stevens led the Lady Bulldogs with six points in the quarter.
Church Point continued to control the game in the second stanza. The quarter was a low scoring affair for both teams. The Lady Bears outpaced Ville Platte 9-7 and led 23-20 as the first half came to a close.
Halftime adjustments proved to be the difference in the game. The Lady Bulldogs ended the third quarter on a 20-13 run and take a 40-36 lead. Senior forward Deja McKinney aided the Ville Platte run by pouring in 16 points in the stanza.
As the fourth quarter began, the Lady Bulldogs knew in order to pull out a victory they would have to ramp up the defensive effort. Ville Platte showed why they are one of the best in the state, as they held the Lady Bears in check. The Lady Bulldogs only allowed eight points to Church Point, while tacking on 12 points in the period to close out the game.
Deja McKinney led all scorers for Ville Platte pouring in 24 points. Miya McKinney chipped in 12 points and Stevens added eight points in the win. The Lady Bulldogs move to 16-4 on the season and 1-0 in district play. Ville Platte faced off against Madison Prep Saturday. The Gazette will post those results in Thursday’s paper. The next district game will see the Lady Bulldogs host the Northwest Lady Raiders on Tuesday.