OPELIKA  ATHLETICS

BASKETBALL

The boys varsity basketball team swept  3 games this past week at the Sports arena on the O.H.S. campus to improve to an impressive 11-2 record.

The Dawgs  defeated Central , 65-64 on Tuesday night to even the region record at 1-1.

Central, one of last years final four teams led Opelika by one point with 3 seconds left in the game. Opelika junior Montrez Hunter was at the free throw line and canned both shots to give O.H.S. the lead and win as the last shot by Central never got close to the basket.

Coach Wadsworth was pleased to win the area game,”I don’t know how it looked from a fan, but we got the win and I am pleased.”

The Bulldogs were led offensively by senior Tay Calloway’s 20 points. Jacolby Payne added 16 points and 11 rebounds. The win evened Opelika’s area record at 1-1.

Opelika 2^nd win of the week was a 97-31 blow-out win over area foe Smith Station. Four players scored in double digits. LaDecker Johnson led with 18 points, Eric Dowdell chipped in 10, 5 assists and 7 rebounds ,Tay Calloway  scored 14 pts. and 9 boards while Morris Lockhart  added 10 points and 5 rebounds.

The Dawgs  beat  Auburn  67-56 for 3^rd win of the week and the 5^th straight over the cross town rival.

Opelika scored the games  first 10 points and never trailed.  Tay Calloway scored  19 points while pulling down 7 rebounds, LaDecker  Johnson  added 12  and teammate Jacoby Payne helped with 14 rebounds.

Opelika is off for the Christmas holiday and will return to host the Opelika Christmas tournament  December 28^th-30^th.  Teams from 4 different states will be playing in the tournament.

GIRLS VARSITY

The girls basketball team won 2 of 3 games this past week to improve to 8-5 on the year.

Opelika was beaten by Central 48-39. Kayla Whatley led the Dawgs with 15 points and 9 rebounds and Gabby Clifton chipped in 8.

The Lady bulldogs beat area partner Smith Station 64-24. Bethany Howard scored 10 points.

Opelika won the biggest win in many years by downing Auburn High 47-38 at the sports arena on Opelika’s campus.  Alicia Beasley led the lady Dawgs with 14 points, Kayla Whatley and Bethany Howard added 12 and 8 points.

The win over Auburn was the first in over 8 years. Coach Booth and her girls are off until December 28^th -30^th. The team will play in Auburn in the girls Holiday classic.

OPELIKA MIDDLE SCHOOL

All the basketball teams at the Middle school have less than 2 losses. The teams are off until school returns in 2010.