JACKSONVILLE — The LaFayette boys basketball team returns to the court tonight to face Sacred Heart for a chance to go to the final four next week in Birmingham.

The Bulldogs (28-4) are coming off a dominant 99-71 win over North Sand Mountain in the regional semi-finals. The offensive output was the highest scoring performance from any school in the 2A state tournament, and the 28-point difference was also the largest margin of victory in the classification’s second round.

“To be in the elite eight right now, and face a four-time back-to-back champion in Sacred Heart, it’s definitely going to be difficult,” LaFayette boys head basketball coach Obadiah Threadgill said. “They have some really talented players. Some players that I’m going to lose sleep over. It’s going to be one game at a time.”

Sacred Heart’s four consecutive state championships ties the AHSAA record set by Francis Marion from 1988-1991. Sacred Heart (20-10) is coming off of a 49-39 win over No. 1 Fyffe. 

The team is led by junior guard and Australian-native Jayden Stone, the four-star and top 100 prospect in the country.

The Bulldogs’ last win was a team effort, led by freshman center Antavious Woody who finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Junior Markevious Moore finished with 14 points, while junior Matavais Burton added 11 points, 10 assists and 5 steals in the effort. Starting junior point guard and team standout Corey Boston wasn’t asked to interview in the postgame conference.

“He can play better, and I know he will,” Threadgill said after last Friday night’s win over North Sand Mountain. “I’m excited for him.”

Threadgill said that he’s prepared for anything in Tuesday night’s matchup.

“[On Friday night] we were up big,” he said. “The next game may be much closer. For us to be ready to play in any environment, whether we made shots or not, if we continue to defend and rebound the ball, pass and share the ball with each other, that’s really what I’m most proud of. These guys have been playing together for a long time. Much longer than I’ve been at LaFayette. I really want to see these guys do something special.”

The game will tip off at 9:15 p.m. EST. at Jacksonville State University.