AHSAA Basketball Final Four: Lanett Girls fall, Lafayette Boys advance to state title game

BIRMINGHAM, Al. (WRBL) – There were two teams representing the Chattahoochee Valley in the AHSAA as of Monday afternoon, the Lanett girls team and the Lafayette boys.

For Lanett, who took on Cold Springs, the Panthers trailed 22-15 at halftime and would eventually fall to the Eagles 55-43. Nakeriona Heard led the Panthers in minutes played (26), rebounds (7), and steals (5). But Cold Springs’ Ella Dickerson led her team to victory with 31 minutes played, and 22 points alone.

Lanett finishes their season with a record of 17-10, including the loss in the Final Four. It was a terrific season for the Lady Panthers, who were led by seniors Nakeriona Heard and Makayla Davis.

As for the Lafayette Bulldogs boys team, their matchup against the Red Bay Tigers told a different story. The Bulldogs led 16–11 at halftime and went on to secure a 34–32 victory. It was a nail-biter down the stretch, as Cameron Thomas delivered a crucial basket while drawing a foul to give the Tigers a two-point edge late in the game. Thomas also had nine points on the day, five rebounds, and three steals.

The Bulldogs advance to the AHSAA 2A state championship game, where they will face the Section Lions. That game is Friday at 11:45am EST at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.

WRBL will continue our coverage of the Bulldogs throughout their state title run.

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