Matt Vines

MARKSVILLE – The Red River girls basketball team has been in a lot of situations this season.

One situation it experienced for the first time Thursday’s first round playoff game – overtime.

The No. 18 seed Lady Bulldogs couldn’t muster enough big plays in a 49-46 loss at No. 15 Marksville as Red River’s season came to an end on the road.

“Marksville played well, and we missed some opportunities that hurt us,” said Red River coach Kim Burton. “Whether it was turnovers, missed free throws or not executing in key moments, those little things added up.

“But I’m proud of the way this team competed.”

The Lady Bulldogs put themselves in position in both regulation and overtime, but Burton said her squad “just couldn’t close it out.”

Marksville (13-15) will head to No. 2 Oak Grove in the second round.

Red River (11-17) put together a slate of its most quality wins this season in the Burton era, which completed its fourth season.

The Lady Bulldogs were in the hunt for a district title after wins against Many and Winnfield in the first half of district play, but Mansfield swept Red River (including a 34-30 nailbiter) to win the district crown.

Red River will miss its three seniors — Areonia Banks, Angel Lemons and Tiyonna Drakes – but Burton said the program took a step toward laying a solid foundation this season.

“It’s tough to see it end this way, but there’s a lot to be proud of,” Burton said. “We made real progress this season, and these players set a new standard for what we expect moving forward.

“The growth we showed – both as a team and as a program – gives us a lot to build on. We’ve got a strong foundation now, and we’re going to keep working to take that next step.”