VALLEY— The Valley girls basketball team’s late fourth-quarter comeback came up short against Lanett in a 60-59 loss on Friday night.

“We gave the fans something to look at,” Lanett girls head basketball coach Charlie Williams said. “We have to be more disciplined and poised in that situation. There’s no way that game should’ve been as close as it was. Give Valley credit, they didn’t give up, and they kept fighting.”

The game was close in the third quarter before Lanett began to pull away after pressing Valley. The press led to multiple turnovers by the Rams, which resulted in easy baskets for Lanett. The Panthers built up a lead as big as 14 in the second half before Valley began picking away at the lead slowly. 

Valley forward Ana Magby eventually brought the game within one possession after finishing through contact at the rim and knocking down free throws in the final minute. Valley had one more chance with just over a second to go on full-court inbound pass to Magby to win the game, but the junior was unable to corral the ball in time for one more attempt.

“It was a good rivalry game,” Valley girls head basketball coach George Grimes said. “We got better. We would have liked to finish out on top, but with the opportunities we had, I can’t complain.”

Magby led the Rams with 23 points. Valley senior Star Core was the team’s second-leading scorer with 9 points, while junior Arteria Florence, sophomore Jasmine Frazier, Emerald Floyd and Kwame Cofield also got on the board for the Rams in the effort.

Lanett sophomore Alysee Madden led the Panthers with 21 points in the victory. Senior Makaiya Broughton finished with 20 points. Senior guard Jaci Howell, senior forward Crystalyn Sprayberry, junior Alicia Abner and Breanna Glaze also scored for Lanett.

Valley returns to home and area play on Tuesday to host Brewbaker Tech, while Lanett travels to face Wadley on Tuesday.