By Landry Collins
What a great time to be a Wild Gator! The Lake View Wild Gators have capped off an amazing season by winning the SCHSL 1A State Championship! Head Coach Larry Inman and his Lady Wild Gators took on the Denmark-Olar Vikings and claimed the title on Saturday, March 2 at the Florence Center. The Final score was 49-46.
The Lady Wild Gators got off to a hot start to begin the game with a 7-0 run, but they would cool off and allow Denmark-Olar to cut the lead to 13-8 before the end of the first quarter. Lake View would be outscored in the second quarter but would still have a slim 21-18 lead going into halftime. Denmark-Olar would come out of halftime and almost double their total points in the third quarter to tie Lake View 35-35. It was a thriller until the very end with the Vikings having a chance to tie on a last second heave, but the ball would be overshot was time expired and the Wild Gators would win 49-46.
The Wild Gators were led by Jaleya Ford who had 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 blocks, and 4 steals. Gwendasia Page had a great night with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. Zy’Kiara Waters had 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, and 2 steals to propel her team to a championship. Ta’Kiyah Waters managed 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 2 steals. Emma King came up clutch with 10 rebounds. Shayla Johnson had 2 points and 1 steal. The Wild Gators combined for 18 personal fouls.
This was an absolutely dominant season for the Wild Gators.
They ended an impressive 16 game win streak with a State title. An overall record of 26-4 (87%-win percentage) and undefeated in the region (8-0) and undefeated at home (12-0). What a truly special season they had and one I am sure that the players, coaches, and fans will never forget. Forever in the record books: 2024 SCHSL 1A State Champions-Lake View Wild Gators.
