CLINTON – As Murrah and Clinton began their North State tournament championship game Saturday night, Warren Central players filed out of their locker room.

Having just lost to Greenville by one point in overtime, the youthful Lady Vikes began preparations for next season.

Except for Amanda Doyle.

The lone senior on a team that advanced farther than most thought took her time changing from her blue 22 Warren Central uniform into street clothes.

&#8220It was tough because this is my last year,” said Doyle, holding back her emotions. &#8220Everyone else can look forward to next year.

&#8220No one thought we would get this far this year, but we did.”

Doyle can look forward to it as well, just not as a Lady Vike.

&#8220She may have played her last basketball in a Lady Vikes uniform,” WC coach Donny Fuller said, &#8220but she has not played her last basketball game. She will play somewhere next season.”

The lightning-quick guard played a reserve role her first two seasons with the team, usually as a defensive specialist. Her quick hands and deadly speed gave offenses fits.

She was on both WC teams that reached the Mississippi Coliseum the past two years and came within a layup of returning this year.

Greenville defeated WC 58-57 in overtime, needing a buzzer-beating shot in regulation to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Lady Vikes had an opportunity to win, but a turnover as the clock ticked toward zero ended WC’s chances.

&#8220We could have had this game,” said freshman point guard Karnina Bunch. &#8220We’ll work toward next year, though.”

The Lady Vikes will do it without Doyle, who was thrust into the lone leadership role because of her distinction as the lone senior. Juniors Shantta Taylor and Brittany Willis, as well as freshmen Sha’Kayla Caples and Bunch all will return next season.

&#8220They’re going to be loaded for sure,” Doyle said of the younger class.

Warren Central won the Division 3-5A regular season championship and defeated Olive Branch in the satellite game of the state playoffs.

The team then lost to Murrah in the first game of North State before bowing out to Greenville in the consolation game. The top three in the four-team tournament advanced to the Coliseum.

&#8220I can’t tell you how proud I am of Amanda Doyle,” Fuller said. &#8220She is one of the best leaders we have ever had. She didn’t have any help being a leader because she was the only senior. She did a tremendous job as a leader for us.”