TFS basketball sweeps past Lanier Christian in season-opening wins

VARSITY BOYS

The Indians earned a 69-55 opening night win at home on Friday against Lanier Christian.

Tallulah Falls got out to a quick 5-0 lead before the visitors pulled ahead and held a brief 9-8 lead at the end of the first. Neyo Bain scored five in the opening quarter.

Lanier Christian held the lead multiple times in the second before TFS went up with just over a minute to go in the half, and went to the locker room with a 26-25 advantage. Hayden Bootle had 10 first half points along with a big 3-point play, while Bain had nine points in the first two quarters.

TFS began to create some separation with a big third quarter run, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Jay Taylor for a 40-30 lead. Taylor had three triples in the quarter and 11 total points as the Indians were up 48-39 heading into the final stanza.

The final quarter saw the Indians staple down the victory, outscoring the Lightning 21-16 the rest of the way. Bain led all scorers with 19 points, while Bootle had 16 and Taylor 13. Zakhar Valasiuk chipped in with nine and Stevan Gabric added eight. Brian Neely had three and Marquis Rolle two.

The Indians are now 1-0 on the season.

VARSITY GIRLS

Breelyn Wood led three players in double figures as Tallulah Falls beat Lanier Christian Friday night at home in the season-opening 74-22 win.

TFS raced out to a 27-7 lead after the first, and stretched it to 40-11 by the half. The girls outscored the Lightning 25-6 in the third. Wood dropped in a game-high 24 points, while Haygen James notched a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Millie Holcomb had 14 points, Allie Phasavang had nine, LB Kafsky eight, and Joanna Molodynska had five with six steals.

Tallulah Falls is 1-0 on the season.