BASKETBALL
The Opelika High boys basketball team (14-4,2-2 area) lost a close game to the Central Red Devils (15-1,3-1area) 51-45. Central had revenge on their mind , the Dawgs beat the Red Devils earlier this season for their only loss of the season.
The game was another nail biter with constant lead changes during the game. With 80 seconds left in the game Central took a 2 point lead after Antonio King hit 2 free throws. The Dawgs missed a shot on its next possession and had to start fouling to keep it close. The Red Devils hit 6 of 8 free throws to seal the 6 point win and first place in the region. Long time Central head coach Bobby Wright summed up the game, “Opelika has a good team and we have a good team. Tonight we hit free throws, that was the difference.”
Central decided to slow the pace of the game to dictate the way the Bulldogs played offense. The Red Devils wanted to keep Opelika from running a full court offense. The change worked, “We would like to play faster. But when you have good teams at the end of the year, they’re not gonna let you do what you wanna do, that’s the whole concept.” said a dejected Coach John Wadsworth after the game.
Jacolby Payne led Opelika with 13 points and 7 rebounds . Devante Calloway added 11 points, 12 boards and 3 steals.
The Dawgs will travel to Fairfax to play the Valley Rams in a non area game; Next home game will be Jan. 25th vs. Beauregard.
Opelika is ranked number 7 in the state high school poles.
VARSITY GIRLS
The varsity girls team trailed Central by as many as 16 points before taking a 1 point lead with 10 seconds left in the game. Central in bounded the ball to point guard Jackson and she dribbled the length of the court and found Portia Watkins on the left wing who finished the game with a layup as time expired giving Central a 55-54 win.
Opelika dropped to 11-7 overall, 0-4 in area. Head coach Devin Booth saw something positive in defeat. “You hate to lose. But I was excited about what I saw, excited about the teamwork they displayed.”
Andricka Gradey led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points, Bethany Howard had 9, and Tionne Jones and Jasmine Love each scored 8 points. Opelika will participate in the 2nd annual MLK classic in Phenix City Jan. 15-18 and will travel to Fairfax to play Valley at 6 o’clock.
OPELIKA DIXIE YOUTH
The Opelika Dixie youth baseball association will host registration January 16 and 23rd from 9-noon at the Opelika sportsplex. Anyone interested in playing needs to be between the ages of 6 and 12. The cost is 60.00 and there will be a late signup period during the week of Jan. 25-30, the late fee is 75.00. Contact Ben Bugg , President of Opelika Dixie youth at 334-319-3286.