{{tncms-inline alignment=”left” content=”<p><span>LaGrange……………. 39</span></p> <p><span>Lafayette-Christ……. 33</span></p>” id=”74c85c6f-a073-49b3-b925-8a2429bb1647″ style-type=”fact” title=”GIRLS’ BASKETBALL” type=”relcontent”}}

Not content with being the team’s defensive stalwart, LaGrange’s Alona Gray showed off her improved offensive prowess with a late-scoring binge that helped LaGrange secure a 39-33 win over previously unbeaten Lafayette Christian on Tuesday.

The win was the third straight for the Gators (4-2), all against opponents who had been undefeated.

Gray scored LaGrange’s first six points of the fourth quarter on a putback basket, jumper and a layup to extend LaGrange’s lead from four to eight. LCA (12-1) never got closer than six after Gray’s outburst. She finished with seven points.

Gators head coach La’Keem Holmes said Gray spent the summer rounding out her game.

“She worked hard this summer trying to work on her offensive game,” Holmes said. “She worked hard, got to where she needed to be and improved her confidence. The last two years she won defensive player in the district, but she wanted to add to her goals.”

The Gators were held scoreless for the first 4:51 of the game, but then scored eight straight points to take the lead for good.

Holmes said the Gators were timid at the outset against the defending Division IV state champs.

“I think we respect them so much we were a little nervous, jittery, to start the game,” he said. “We settled down in the second half, started passing the ball a lot better.”

Sam scored eight of LaGrange’s 16 first half points and finished with a team-high 13 points. Jeriah Warren scored eight points and had five rebounds and four steals.

Bre Porter scored 12 to lead the Knights. Ajayah Simpson added 10.

Last week the Gators handed Elton and Sulphur their first losses.

Holmes said the streak of wins against good competitions is getting his team on the right track after the opened the season by losing two out of three.

“It is big for our confidence,” he said. “When you take a few losses early like we did, to good times, you sometimes get a little doubt in your mind. We need to realize that every night we are going to play a top team. Our schedule is grueling. We have to bring it every night.”

LaGrange……………. 39

Lafayette-Christ……. 33