One Team, One Goal Alumni Basketball Game delivers
BY PAMELA
HOLLOWAY
FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LANETT — The highly anticipated One Team, One Goal Alumni Basketball Game lived up to every bit of the excitement Saturday, June 13, as the longtime rivals from LaFayette High School and Lanett High School battled before a packed crowd at Lanett Gym.
The event brought together former standout athletes from both communities, reigniting one of Chambers County’s most respected and competitive rivalries. Fans from across the area filled the gym, creating an electric atmosphere from tip-off to the final buzzer.
Representing the LaFayette alumni team were Corey Boston, Tae Burton, Booman Harrington, Tae Story, Dra Vines, Jordan Johnson, Dee Mackey, Shaq Woody, Boobee Whitlow and Ocho Whitlow.
The Lanett alumni team featured Kin Kin Dozier, La La Whitfield, Bryant Story, Dee Dobbs, Kay Kay Atkinson, Long Pollard, Tra Abner, Fred Broughton, Keondae Huguley and Josh Patton.
At halftime, the crowd was entertained by a special performance from local artist Mello Oowee, whose energetic show kept fans engaged and added to the excitement of the evening.
As expected, neither team was willing to give an inch. The game remained competitive throughout, with momentum swinging back and forth as both squads showcased the talent that once made them fan favorites on local courts.
The game’s most dramatic moments came in the final seconds. With Lanett holding a late lead, LaFayette’s Burton delivered a clutch basket with approximately six seconds remaining, tying the contest 63-63 and sending the LaFayette crowd into a frenzy.
Just when it appeared the game was headed to overtime, Lanett answered with a moment that will be talked about for years. As time expired, Whitfield launched a shot from half court that found nothing but net, giving Lanett a thrilling 66-63 victory at the buzzer.
The miraculous game-winning three-pointer sparked an unforgettable celebration as fans stormed the court in excitement, surrounding players and celebrating one of the most dramatic finishes in recent local basketball history.
While Lanett came away with the victory, the night was bigger than the final score. The event highlighted the pride, camaraderie and rich basketball tradition shared by both communities. For a few hours, former teammates, classmates, families and fans came together to celebrate the spirit of competition and community.
In a rivalry as passionate as LaFayette versus Lanett, moments like Saturday night remind everyone why Chambers County basketball remains special. And thanks to a clutch shot by Whitfield and a memorable performance by both teams, the 2026 One Team, One Goal Alumni Basketball Game will be remembered as an instant classic.
Final Score:
• Lanett alumni: 66
• LaFayette alumni: 63
That ending — Burton’s game-tying basket followed by Whitfield’s half-court buzzer beater — is the kind of finish that becomes part of local basketball lore for years to come.
