Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By: Brian Smith

Rebound, outlet pass, and find the Lanett player streaking down the court. That was the primary recipe for Friday night’s 46 to 35 victory over visiting Vincent. The victory came to fruition with speed and good passing in the open court.

Wherever Lanett needed a hoop, transition opportunities were the best option to keep the scorekeepers busy. The first quarter did see Lanett pound the basketball into the pain during its half-court sets to establish a lead.

A 10-0 lead with 3:15 to play in the first quarter, MaKiah White’s presence in the paint came to the forefront. She rebounded well, hit two free throws, played aggressive defense that gave Vincent fits, and often started the fast break chances with a good pass. It was clear that the senior was the best player on the court.

Still, Lanett was not afraid to substitute, even for White, with numerous lineup changes that began late in the first quarter. Whenever a new wave of players came in, it was always a group of players looking to push the pace. When the Panthers were not hitting a breakaway layup, they did make some difficult shots.

As an example, Markayla Bailey hit a baseline jump shot in the middle of the second quarter and it put Lanett up 15 to 6. Vincent did have a rally to close the score to 17-14 with 1:30 to play before the half but that was short-lived. 

Christiana Brock hit a running shot in the lane. Then, with five seconds before half, Ny’Kayjah Davis drilled a 3-point shot from the left corner to give Lanett the momentum and a 22 to 14 lead heading into intermission.

The second half became much more of a track meet and one that was lopsided in Lanett’s favor. Numerous run-outs occurred and a few steals turned into easy layups as well. When it was time for a needed basket, Lanett usually went inside.

The score was doubled at 28 to 14 when Mikyla McCants found Jaylin White open in the lane. White missed her first shot but rebounded and scored. That was a prime example of Lanett’s unselfish passing carving up Vincent’s defense, plus White hustling to finish the play for two points.

After three-quarters of play, Lanett led Vincent 37-22, and it actually could have been much worse. Lanett honestly missed a few more open looks than it usually does. Nonetheless, the Panthers kept hustling and pushing the tempo.

When Serenity Roberts stole the basketball and raced to the basket for a layup, she gave Lanett a comfortable 39-22 lead early in the fourth quarter. The visitors scored a few baskets in the closing minutes to make it closer than it seemed but Lanett was never seriously challenged beyond the final two minutes of the second quarter. 

MaKiah White led all scorers with 14 points and Lanett had 11 players score. Davis added 5, while McCants, Brock, and Makenley James each finished with 4.