Basketball Recap: Desoto County Finds Playoff Glory Versus Lemon Bay

DeSoto County extended their postseason success on Saturday against Lemon Bay. They came out on top against the Lemon Bay Manta Rays by a score of 66-59. For the Bulldogs, this counts as revenge for the 63-48 victory the Manta Rays walked away with the last time they faced one another back in January of 2023.

Cherish Wiggins

Points

02/08/25 vs Lemon Bay	27
02/06/25 vs Island Coast	28
01/31/25 vs Manatee	18

Leading DeSoto County to victory were Cherish Wiggins and Yahri Tyler. Wiggins dropped a double-double on 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Tyler dropped a double-double on 22 points and 12 boards. Wiggins' evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least 18 points. Rihanna Downing was another key player, putting up two points and 11 rebounds.

Lemon Bay lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Maya Collins, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and 13 boards. What's more, Collins also racked up seven assists, the most she's had since back in February of 2024. Another player making a difference was Mackenzie Long, who almost dropped a double-double on 16 points and nine rebounds.

DeSoto County has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests, which provided a nice bump to their 19-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 59.5 points over those games. As for Lemon Bay, their defeat dropped their record down to 12-10.

DeSoto County and Lemon Bay are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. DeSoto County will face off against Gulf at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in DeSoto County's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last four matches. As for Lemon Bay, they will take on Robinson at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Robinson will roll in looking for their fourth straight win, something Lemon Bay surely won't give up without a fight.