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By: Brian Smith, Freelance Sports Reporter

Opelika dominated LaFayette 86-46 but it certainly did not start that way.

From the opening of the game, it appeared visiting LaFayette came to play as it led 12-6 with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter. LaFayette showed crisp passing, connected on contested shots, and played with a high-energy level. Then, Opelika went all-out with a full-court press. 

That moment was the beginning of the end for LaFayette. If a person had walked in just a few moments later, they would have never believed someone else telling them LaFayette raced out to that lead. 

It was like an avalanche. The home Bulldogs forced several open-court turnovers leading to easy layups and open shots. The rest of the first quarter saw Opelika go on an 11-0 run to take the lead 17-12. Despite LaFayette battling throughout the first half, Opelika dominated.

At the head of Opelika’s press was 6-foot-6 forward JT Holloway; he was a menace. Deflecting passes and disrupting the rhythm of LaFayette’s offensive flow, Holloway went off for 14 points during the second quarter. He drove to the bucket for layups and also knocked down two three-pointers. Holloway was clearly the best player on the court. He helped slow down LaFayette’s best player, too.

Opelika’s defense keyed on Jordan Johnson, LaFayette’s best ball handler and scorer. He did not register a single point during the first quarter and did not score until back-to-back buckets late in the second quarter. By then, the game was out of reach.

At halftime, Opelika led 46-26 and Holloway’s evening was over. From there, Opelika continued to pressure the basketball but it was a variety of players who hounded Johnson and the Lafayette offense. When Opelika had the basketball, a different player took over in the third quarter.

Guard Brady McNally tallied 13 points, making three different three-point shots. When he was not hitting shots, McNally and his teammates continued to focus their defensive efforts toward Johnson. 

LaFayette’s best scorer mustered one basket during the third quarter. Helping the LaFayette offense was Jayuan Thomas, including a put-back dunk to help him score six third-quarter points and nine for the game. 

Still, the problem was far more about getting the ball past halfcourt and operating some semblance of an offense. Opelika’s defensive pressure never let up. Not even late into the fourth quarter.

When the final buzzer went off, Opelika had come out on top with a resounding victory.