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By: Brian Smith

Persistence paid off, as LaFayette’s second-half approach of attacking the basket finally helped the Bulldogs pull away from rival Valley to win 57 to 38. The game certainly did not start that way, however.

 

It was an ugly offensive first quarter for both teams. Even wide-open looks for shooters from LaFayette and Valley did not often make a difference. Then again, both teams settled for jump shots far more often than they should have. After one quarter of action, LaFayette led Valley 8-7.

 

The second quarter saw a definitive change in how LaFayette attacked offensively. Hitting the man in the high post helped propel LaFayette’s offense. Sophomore Jayden Thomason had multiple buckets from inside 10 feet including a bucket and a foul that he converted at the free throw line. 

 

Helping matters, senior Jordan Johnson stole a pass at half court and raced to the rim for a left-handed jam to put the visitors up 20 to 14. Valley always kept clawing back and had its moments.

 

Senior Zan Woody’s 3-point make closed the gap right after the slam and the halftime score was close at 22-17. The third quarter saw the high post become a factor again, and that was when LaFayette also started running by Valley’s defense time and time again to increase the lead.

 

To start the half, freshman big man Ty’Kaden Williams had three consecutive baskets for LaFayette, including a bucket and being fouled. His seven points in less than three minutes propelled the Bulldogs to a 29-20 lead. After scores, LaFayette’s pressure began to bother Valley and the host Rams became careless with the basketball.

 

LaFayette took advantage as some easy buckets and a Johnson triple helped build the lead to 37 to 22 before a late third quarter Rams rally made it 40-32 going into the final stanza.

 

Kemare Harrington’s 3-point made with just under seven minutes to play started another mini-run. LaFayette harassed Valley’s offense led to several ill-advised shots, as well as many contested looks even when the Rams got the basketball in the paint. 

 

The one constant theme remained the same: LaFayette ran up the court whenever it could to push the pace. The Bulldogs also ran past Valley in the half court to attack the hoop with more efficiency and tenacity, senio Quintavious Lloyd in particular.

 

Up until the final moments of the contest, LaFayette did not let up their relentless pressure of attacking the rim in the second half and that was the difference.

 

For the game, Johnson led LaFayette with 16, Thomason 13, Williams 9, and Lloyd 6. For the home Rams, Jayden Weaver led all scorers with 18, Erin Frazier with 6, and Zan Woody with 5.