Total composure.

In an intense rivalry atmosphere at Handley High School on Tuesday night, the LaFayette boys basketball team remained poised throughout its 67-54 victory over Lanett.

“Nothing seems to rattle them,” LaFayette boys head basketball coach Obadiah Threadgill said. “We were leading, then we were down, then we were leading again. As long as they keep trusting each other, playing hard, sharing the ball, diving on the floor for loose balls, taking charges, the season should be fruitful for us.”

The Bulldogs are now 13-0 after defeating the three-time defending champion Lanett Panthers. The Panthers had a starter return to the lineup in Tuesday’s matchup. Senior forward Trikweze Bridges, who was previously believed to be out this season due to medical precaution, was on the floor in the rivalry game. Bridges scored many pivotal points for Lanett during the team’s comeback in the second half.

The top scorer on the court, however, was LaFayette guard Corey Boston. The junior shot three-of-four from beyond the arc, and finished the night with 21 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Fellow junior Matavias Burton also stepped up his play an emotional notch for the big game, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Burton also blocked a couple of key shots down the stretch for the Bulldogs. Jordan Walker, Markevious Moore and Jaquavian Boston-Gaines also had key performances for LaFayette in the win.

Lanett, who now have a 2-2 record, are still putting this year’s pieces together before area play later in the season. On Tuesday night, the Panthers struggled with handling LaFayette’s pressure on the ball near midfloor as well as shooting. Lanett’s length and athleticism should keep the Panthers being a legitimate threat moving forward.

LaFayette returns to action tonight in the Handley tournament championship. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. CST.