SMITHS STATION — The Lanett girls basketball team blew past Russell County for a 48-26 victory on the first day of a holiday tournament hosted at Smiths Station High School.

“We came out with a lot of energy early, picked up the pace, and it carried us all throughout the game,” Lanett girls head basketball coach Charlie Williams said.

The Panthers took the aggressive approach on the offensive side of the ball and drove to the basket often, which resulted in a host of trips to the free throw line.

On defense, Lanett played Russell County with a full court press throughout the evening.

“We’re a small, scrappy team,” Williams said. “We have some size, but we don’t have much. We press to create energy and turnover opportunities.”

Sophomore Alyse Madden led Lanett with 10 points in the win. Breanna Glaze, Ambria Jackson and Makaiya Broughton all finished with seven points for the Panthers. 

Thursday’s win improved Lanett’s record to 2-1 on the year. Lanett returns seniors Jaci Howell, Broughton, Jackson and Diana Huguley this season.

“One of our strengths is our leadership,” Williams said. “I have four seniors, they’ve been with me since they’ve been eighth graders, so they’ve been down this road before.”

Despite having an experience corps returning in the starting lineup, Williams said that consistency from his bench is what the team can work on moving forward.

“I have a couple of young girls on my bench. I’ve got to get more out of them,” he said. “If I get more out of them, not now but later, we’ll be fine down the road.”

This season, the goal for the team is simple.

“At Lanett, they named us ‘Champ High,’ so that’s the standard now,” Williams said. “It’s championships or nothing. That’s our aim and goal.”

Lanett returns to action against Smiths Station at 7 p.m. CST. on Friday night.