BASKETBALL

THE OPELIKA BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FINISHES SECOND IN AREA TOURNAMENT, EARNING A STATE PLAYOFF BID

The Opelika boys basketball team lost a heart breaker to Central 66-63 in the area 7 tournament finals, in Phenix City on Monday night. The Dawgs (26-5) had not lost since January 8^th, reeling off 12 straight wins before the 3 point loss.

Central (23-3) had lost 2 of the 3 prior meetings this year to Opelika, with one loss coming in the “Palace” (Centrals home court). The only home loss in two years.

In the first half the lead changed back and forth until the last minute. Central used an 11-0 run to take what would be the largest lead by either team at the intermission. The Dawgs, after a pep talk from 3^rd year head coach John Wadsworth, started the second half with a sense of urgency, chipping the lead back to 1 in the first five minutes of the third quarter.

Opelika, the number 3 team in the state, held a 2 point lead with 29 seconds left in the game when O.H.S. guard Morris Lockhart stole a Central pass and raced to the goal with what would have been an easy layup. Central player, Yurmon Barnes sprinted behind Lockhart pushing him in the back as he was tryng to score and was whistled for what appeared to be an intentional foul. The official changed his mind as he went to report the foul, saying the foul was before the shot and was not intentional. The change cost the Dawgs 2 free throws and the ball at half court. Lockhart hit one of two free throws to increase the lead to 3.

On the next possession Central found Barnes under the basket, who was fouled as he made the basket and the free throw to tie the game.

O.H.S. missed a shot, Central rebounded the miss and passed to Antonio King who drew a foul as he made the shot. After making the free throw Opelika tried but could not get a 3 point shot off before the game clock expired.

The Dawgs were led by Morris Lockhart’s 21 points and four steals, Devante Calloway scored 14 and grabbed 7 rebounds while teammate Jacoby Payne added 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Coach Wadsworth, showing class in defeat congratulated Central after the game, “Central has a great team and beat us. We have a great team and have to move on to the state playoffs with our heads up”

Opelika will travel to play Enterprise Friday night in the sub-regional at 7o’clock. Enterprise beat Opelika by 2 points last year in the first round.

Wrestling

The Opelika wrestling team finished 5^th in the sectional meet in Auburn last weekend. Brian White won the 103 lb. weight class, Cory McCarty finished 2^nd at 125 lbs., Jonathon Bright finished 2^nd at 135 lbs., Rico Lewis placed 3^rd at 160 lbs.,Xavier Drake finished 3^rd at 171lbs. and Mitchell Mowery finished 4^th at 189lbs. These wrestlers are competing in the upcoming state meet in Huntsville.

BASEBALL

The Opelika baseball team will start the season Monday Feb. 15^th with a double hitter at Auburn. The Dawgs will play Spain Park at 1:30 and will play Auburn at 4:00’clock.

The junior varsity will open the season Tuesday Feb. 16^th at Tallassee in a double-hitter starting at 4:30.

SOCCER

The varsity soccer team will compete in the LAKESHORE SHOOTOUT in Birmingham Feb. 12^th.

SOFTBALL

The varsity softball team will open the season Feb. 12^th at Valley at 4:30.