COLUMBUS – LaGrange High’s basketball teams kicked off the second half of their Region 1-AAAAA schedules in style with road wins over Hardaway.

In the boys’ game, it was the Grangers pulling away in the fourth quarter for an 82-70 win, while the Lady Grangers rolled to a 66-46 victory.

The Grangers (16-4 overall) improved to 5-2 in the region, and they’re now tied for first place in the region thanks to Columbus High’s upset victory over Carver on Friday.

Carver was leading the region with just one loss before falling to Columbus.

The Grangers trailed by as many as four points in the third period, but they were ahead by four points by the time the fourth qurater began.

LaGrange was able to stretch the lead in the fourth quarter to get the road win.

“I think our kids, they were all mentally ready,” LaGrange coach Mark Veal said. “You could see they were ready to play. They did the right stuff, it was just a tough game.”

Derieko Smith paced the Grangers with 24 points, and LaPerion Perry added 12 points.

Qua Epps provided a spark off the bench, making three 3-pointers on the way to an 11-point night.

In the girls’ game, Aryan Dozier had the hot hand for the Lady Grangers with 25 points, and post player Shania Woodard had a big night with 23 points.

Chnaireia Strozier made three 3-pointers and scored 13 points.

Trailing 26-23 at the half, the Lady Grangers exploded for 43 points in the second half to win going away.

LaGrange outscored Hardaway 20-7 in the third quarter to take control.

The Lady Grangers improved to 3-4 in the region.

LaGrange will host Columbus High today, with the girls’ game beginning at 3 p.m., and the boys’ game to follow.

LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN: In Thursday’s game, the Cougars rolled past Heart’s Academy 55-13, with Gregory Benefield leading the way with 15 points.

Marcus Mobley added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Josh Shepherd had 12 points.

Reach Kevin Eckleberry at (706) 884-7311 or on Twitter @lagrangesports