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The Bulldogs returned from the break with a dominant showing as LaFayette topped Tallassee 69-49 at home. 

The game was tight-knit for most of the first period, but the Bulldogs found a way to steal momentum. LaFayette went on a 9-0 run in the last two minutes of the first period to take a 19-10 lead into the second period. 

From there, LaFayette completely controlled the game. The Bulldogs took a 56-33 lead into halftime, with the bench playing most of the second period. From there, LaFayette coasted to an easy win at home. 

“We played great,” LaFayette coach Chase Lewis said. “I think that Plainview tournament was able to just build some good chemistry. It’s good to have games like this where I can just rotate everybody.” 

Deaundra Vines led the Bulldogs from the point guard position with 14 points in limited minutes. Vines also added six rebounds and three steals. 

“You know how hard Dra Vines works for us,” Lewis said. “Every night, he doesn’t take any plays off. To get Dra some rest, but also keep him in rhythm, this was the perfect scenario for us.” 

Cam Thomas is one of the younger players on the team, and he got his third start of the season on Wednesday. Thomas was brought up from the JV team due to other injuries, and he has impressed early on. Thomas finished with nine points and four rebounds. 

“He’s been one of these kids that I’ve been looking at when we have mixed practices, I’m like dang I like this kid,” Lewis said. “He’s been having big practices even when he’s mixed in with varsity. I remember I told Plainview’s coach a little bit about him and how he came from Bteam. He said ‘Coach he doesn’t need to play Bteam anymore.’”

Branaviyun Story and Tae Story each had big nights in limited minutes. Tae finished with eight points and three rebounds. Branaviyun finished with seven points and 11 rebounds. 

The big story on the night for LaFayette was the production from the bench. The bench finished with 27 points on the night. 

Jordan Johnson and Zavion Turner led the bench. Turner finished the game with nine points, three rebounds and one steal. Johnson added eight points and two rebounds. 

“That second unit, in the first quarter when it was close, they set the tone,” Lewis said. “They’re the ones who really got this thing started.” 

Wednesday’s win was a great way for LaFayette to return after the break, but Lewis also noticed several things that the team could still improve on. Shooting is the main improvement that Lewis wants to see, the team connected on just five of its 22 attempts from behind the arc against the Tigers. 

The win pushes LaFayette’s record to 10-4 on the season. Up next for the Bulldogs is the area opener on the road against Lanett on Friday.