Lanier High continues winning streaking

Lanier High continues winning streaking

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

BUFORD, GA – Lanier High’s basketball team is streaking

The Longhorns are on an eight-game winning streak. Lanier’s victorious ways by beating Buford, 66-60, on Tuesday. These Longhorns this improved the Longhorns record to 14-3 overall and 6-0 AAAAAA Region 8. After losing during the championship game last season, things seem a little different right now.

Lanier’s last lost to Wheeler High during the Tournament of Champions in December. Head coach Branden Mayweather has challenge his team, which has a healthy balance of experienced seniors and budding stars. 

Makai Vassell, who scored 19 points in Laniers’ win, has had a productive season for the Longhorns. This unsigned seniors recruitment is beginning to pick up some and a long run in the state playoff would help. He is a 6-foot-6 guard with all the tools to help a program at the next level. For the Longhorns, Vassell does whatever is needed to help the team succeed.

Andrew McConnell, a James Madison University signee, brings the jumper and motor to lead Lanier. He carries himself with plenty of poise despite all the attention he gets from other defenders. McConnell has range where opponents need to respect at all times.

The wild card in the deck of seniors is Iajah Phillips. This unsigned senior is an athletic energy giver for the Longhorns. At 6-foot-1, he can get to the rim or finish above it at any given moment.

These three guys have helped become examples for the players behind them. 

Freshman guard CJ Hyland has been either thrusted into the starting lineup at times this season. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Hyland makes certain to be a contributor.

Then there is Justin Birch. This 6-foot junior knows how to come into the game and continue the level of expectation. There is little drop in his production or defensive intensity.

Blaine Bell is the anchor on the interior for the Longhorns. This 6-foot-9 junior has come along this season. He is a long defensive and rebound focused player on a team filled with electrifying scorers.

On any given night, especially during this winning streak, a player in a Lanier High uniform is expected to step it up.

Lanier is looking to bring back a state championship to “The Herd.”