Story by Kevin Eckleberry with Bee TV Sports
The Lanett Panthers shrugged off an eight-point deficit late in the third quarter to earn a thrilling 57-51 victory over home-standing LaFayette on Thursday night in the Area 6-AA championship game. Clinging to a two-point lead with less than 20 seconds to go, Lanett got fast-break baskets from Elijah Whitfield and Nakia Bynum to put it away. The win not only gives the Panthers an area title, but it also guarantees them a home game on Tuesday as state play gets underway.
LaFayette will be on the road for its state opener. It was a hard-fought, back-and-forth game as the two rivals gave it their all. Nakia Bynum had a big game for Lanett with 23 points, and he had 13 points to fuel the second-half charge. Elijah Whitfield, who hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in an earlier game against LaFayette to force a second overtime, added 21 points.
For LaFayette, Tamarion Harrington led the way with 14 points, including eight points in the first quarter. Vaderrian Story added 11 points, including 10 points in the second quarter with three 3-pointers. Daundra Vines also scored 11 points, and Jarquavious Williams had nine points.
As for the Lady Panthers, Lanett (20-2) rolled its 16th straight win and captured the Area 6-AA championship with a home win on Wednesday.
Samahria Davidson led a balanced Lanett scoring effort with 12 points, Makiah White and Nakeriona Heard added 11 points apiece, Makayla Davis scored 10 points, and Ariel Hall had eight points.
The Lady Panthers will open the Sub Regionals at home on Tuesday.
