LaFAYETTE — For the second time this season, 6A Opelika had their way against the 2A LaFayette girls basketball team on Thursday night in a 63-31 win.

“I feel like we played a little better than we did [against Opelika] last time,” LaFayette girls head basketball coach Michael Bratcher said. “I know the scores were very similar. We didn’t come out and get smoked at the very beginning, but we couldn’t finish a couple of times and get into our offensive sets. We actually played much better in the second half than we did in the first half. We have to be able to handle that pressure of a bigger, physical, faster team. We struggle against them, they’re a bad matchup for us.”

Opelika contained Lafayette on the defensive side of the ball with a lethal zone defense that often ended LaFayette possessions in turnovers created from trapping.  

“They do what I want to do,” Bratcher said. “The difference is that they go more on the bench. They had bigger girls, they helped faster, stronger, they’re a top 5 team in 6A. They’re a really good 6A ball club. Physically, we just don’t match up with them. We struggle with their size. They’re so big up top, and we have to learn how to use our bodies against their size.”

LaFayette sophomore guard Ebony Williams led the team with 21 points, while sophomore Feliah Greer finished with 8 points. Opelika played Greer tight all night, including her AAU teammate Quala Walton.

The loss drops LaFayette down to 15-4 overall, still keeping their 4-0 area record intact. Lafayette returns home tonight to face rival Lanett.

“When you play a team three times, it’s tough to beat them three times,” Bratcher said. “First time we played them, we were in control the whole game, we were ahead by double digits from the first quarter on. The second time, we were down double digits until halftime before we caught back and won by two. Hopefully, we can bounce back, the gym will probably be packed, coming out against our rival will give us that juice. Going against a team that isn’t so bigger, faster and stronger than us. Physically, I think the girls will be ready. Hopefully, it will be an exciting game, and we can keep getting ready for playoffs.”