Demopolis volleyball coach Blythe Smith couldn’t choose between Keona Branch and Martina Smith for her most valuable player Tuesday and neither can we.

Branch is a senior in her third year on the DHS volleyball team, a squad that has never been to regionals, much less won and area championship, during her time on the court. That all changes this week as Branch came up big time in Tuesday’s decisive match against Selma. Her leadership and effort were invaluable to the Lady Tigers.

As for Smith, she put together the best game of her season, proving the hot player for the Lady Tigers on front row, back row and from the service line, exuding a calm demeanor that helped her teammates all night long. Congratulations to the Lady Tigers for 5A Area 5 title and congratulations to Branch and Smith for coming through in the clutch.