OPINION —
In the opening night of the 7A, Region 4 tournament last Tuesday in Phenix City, Opelika beat No. 2-seed Auburn High in a dramatic 74–71 overtime win. The victory sends Opelika to the area championship against top-seeded Central-Phenix City and secures the Bulldogs’ first regional playoff berth since joining class 7A.
Opelika led most of the game, but Auburn forced a 64–64 tie in the final seconds of regulation after a missed Opelika layup. Overtime opened with both teams trading three-pointers, but Opelika gained control after consecutive threes and key defensive stops. Auburn missed two crucial free throws while trailing by two with under a minute left, and Opelika capitalized, forcing turnovers and hitting free throws to seal the win.
Jadarian Holloway led Opelika with 20 points, supported by Brady McNally (16) and Caurdae Wright (14). Head coach Wesley Button credited the team’s defensive intensity as the difference-maker. Auburn’s Antwane Daniels had a standout 27-point game, with Trindon Manior adding 19, but the Tigers struggled with interior play on both ends.
The Bulldogs improved to 23–6 after the win, while Auburn finished its season at 20–11.
Opelika Captures Area Championship with 67–48 Win Over Central
Two days after beating Auburn, Opelika claimed its first-ever Class 7A Area Championship on Saturday night in Phenix City, defeating Central 67–48 in dominant fashion. The victory marks a milestone for the Bulldogs, who had not won an area title since moving up to 7A.
Jadarian Holloway led the way with 17 points and was named Area Tournament MVP after another standout performance on both ends of the floor.
Brady McNally continued his steady play, adding 15 points, while Kari Johnson finished with 13. Kaleb Baker contributed 11 points, helping Opelika maintain control throughout the game.
With the win, the Bulldogs head into postseason play with momentum and their first 7A area crown in program history.
Opelika advances to play Dothan Friday, Feb. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the Regionals at the Acadome on the Alabama State University campus. The winner plays the winner the Enterprise vs. Central game in the quarterfinals.
Fans can listen to all the Opelika boys’ basketball games on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310AM, the free iHeartRadio app and online at foxsportsthegame.com, presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic.
Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith joined me on my radio show “On the Mark” last week and discussed several structural concerns within Opelika’s school system.
According to Mayor Smith, Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Davis has evaluated every school facility since taking over the system. His review revealed multiple structural issues across several campuses, including overcrowding and buildings in need of major updates.
One of the solutions Dr. Davis presented to the mayor involves expanding Fox Run School to accommodate fifth graders. This move would relieve significant pressure on Northside School, which is also in need of extensive and costly reconstruction.
The city of Opelika has agreed to match $20 million with Opelika City Schools to fund the expansion of Fox Run. The next major project on the horizon is the construction of a new middle school near the Opelika Sportsplex.
These efforts represent only part of Dr. Davis’s ongoing plan to address aging facilities and improve learning environments throughout the Opelika City School system.
SPRING SPORTS
Opelika spring sports are getting underway; I’ll provide as many updates as possible in the coming weeks. If you have scores from spring sports, please email me at foxonthemark@yahoo.com.
LSA ADVANCES TO REGIONAL IN GIRLS AND BOYS BASKETBALL
Lee-Scott girls and boys basketball teams advanced to the Regionals at the Acadome in Montgomery after winning in the Sub-regional round. The Lady Warriors beat Childersburg 48–46 at Samford Gym and LSA boys blew out “The Altamont School” 71–40 in the Sub Regionals.
Both teams played in the Regionals Wednesday at ASU Acadome, neither result were available at press time.
D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
