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By: Brian Smith

Multiple scoring runs helped LaFayette fight off visiting Loachapoka 59-54 on Wednesday evening. None was bigger than the one in the second quarter.

Down 18-9, LaFayette’s offense came to life in a multitude of ways. Better shooting certainly helped, but better ball handling and passing enabled the host Bulldogs to finish the half on a 22 to 6 run. 

LaFayette’s Kemare Harrington knocked down a triple to close the gap to just a one-point deficit at 18-17. A few possessions later, Harrington passed the basketball to Amilleon Huguley for a triple of his own, and the Bulldogs led 24 to 20 with just under three minutes left in the half. 

Back-to-back buckets by Jordan Johnson made it a 21-4 run and a 30 to 22 lead with 1:28 remaining before halftime. LaFayette finished with a key play to end the first half, too.

Cameron Thomas went strong to the basket and was fouled with two seconds to go. Knocking down both shots, the Bulldogs went to the locker room up 31 to 24. It was the end of an incredible second stanza for LaFayette. There was another reason for the big run beyond the offense.

Switching from man defense to a half-court zone and trapping the basketball, LaFayette had a few easy shots from turnovers and Loachapoka seemed stunned for much of the quarter. The game did grow tighter in the second half.

After allowing LaFayette to go up 37-26, the visitors found their shooting touch. Carri Stone’s 3-point make cut the LaFayette lead down to 3 with the score 37 to 34. Making matters worse, LaFayette couldn’t buy a bucket. They were ice cold. Heading into the final stanza, the Bulldogs led 37 to 35.

Loachapoka took the lead 39 to 37, but the lead did not last. Suddenly, like magic, LaFayette began to make plays again. It was wild. Loachapoka’s half-court zone was picked apart. Throwing the basketball to the high post was the most consistent answer.

Jayden Thomas had two assists. One went to Huguley and another to Johnson, both along the baseline and unguarded. Those were momentum-building buckets and great plays by the big man to find his teammates. With just under five minutes left, LaFayette led 47 to 39.

The dagger came when Harrington drilled a right corner 3-point shot and was fouled. After making his free throw, LaFayette led 57 to 47 with 1:58 to play. Loachapoka made it interesting by getting a couple of turnovers and baskets at the end, but LaFayette held on for a hard-fought victory.

Leading the way for LaFayette was Huguley with 18, Johnson with 17, Harrington with 12, Cameron Thomas with 8, and Jayden Thomas with 4.