The Lanett Panthers were the 57-51 winner over the LaFayette Bulldogs when they last played one another back in February of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. Lanett took a hard 62-48 fall against LaFayette on Friday. While losing is never fun, Lanett can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Alabama basketball rankings (they are ranked 319th, while LaFayette is ranked 143rd).
Deaundra Vines was his usual excellent self, scoring 27 points along with seven rebounds and six assists for LaFayette. The game was Vines' sixth in a row with at least ten points. Jordan Johnson was another key contributor, scoring 12 points along with five rebounds.
Lanett has been struggling recently, as they've lost eight of their last nine games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season. As for LaFayette, the victory makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 10-5.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Lanett won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Valley at 2:30 p.m. on January 6th. The timing is sure in Valley's favor as the team sits on four straight wins at home while Lanett has been banged up by six consecutive losses on the road. As for LaFayette, they will face off against Reeltown at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Reeltown focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up eight two weeks ago.
