Lady Panthers down Lady Bulldogs at home

Published 10:44 pm Friday, January 5, 2024

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Lanett’s girls basketball team found its way back from the break with a statement 57-29 win over LaFayette at home to start area play. 

The story of the game for the Panthers was halftime adjustments. After leading by eight after the first half, Lanett and LaFayette traded threes to start the third period. The Lady Panthers responded with a 13-0 run to take over the game. 

In total, Lanett outscored the Bulldogs 33-12 in the second half to put the game away in dominant fashion. 

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“They came out the way we should have started the game,” Lanett coach Charlie Williams said. “First game back from Christmas break, we were just real lax.” 

Lanett led LaFayette 12-5 after one period, but the Bulldogs seemed to find some momentum in the second period. 

LaFayette came out on a 5-0 run in the second period, with Jayla Hooks scoring all five of those points. Hooks finished the game with six points. The Lady Panthers responded with a 12-0 lead of their own, led by Armani Langdon’s nine points during the period.
Langdon was a shot-maker for Lanett in the game, finishing the game with a team-high 17 points. Langdon scored 15 of her points from behind the arc. 

“She’s coming along,” Williams said. “Last year she didn’t get to play much varsity, she’s just trying to come into her own. She’s a hard worker. She’s really a pleaser. You tell her you’re disappointed in something, she’s going to try to fix it.” 

The bright spot in the game for the Lady Bulldogs was Aronique Kyles. Kyles finished the game with 17 points, 15 of those points came from behind the arc. 

After some hot shooting, Lanett got back to its bread and butter late in the second half. Laila Lancaster, Cameron Boozer and MaKiah White led the charge inside. The three scored four, 11 and nine points respectively. 

“That’s the strength of our team,” Williams said. “We can shoot it decently. Our strength is our inside presence. We’re going to have that every game.” 

The win on Friday pushed Lanett’s record to 8-4 on the season and 1-0 in area play. Up next for the Panthers is a matchup with Valley on Saturday. The Lady Bulldogs face off against Reeltown on the road on Jan. 9.