By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

The Callaway Cavaliers are perfect where it counts.

Callaway dropped its first three games of the season, but it opened Region 5-AA play with a 63-52 road victory over Lamar County on Friday night.

“We played well offensively and defensively, and we made our free throws,” said Terry Hayes, Callaway’s head coach.

Demetrius Coleman led the Cavaliers with 15 points, and DeAundre Towns and JaVontay Boddie added 13 points apiece.

The Cavaliers started quickly, surging to a 15-9 lead after the first quarter, and they led 33-21 at the half.

Callaway came out of the locker room hot, outscoring Lamar County 20-15 in the third quarter to build a 53-36 lead.

In the girls’ contest, it was a rematch of last Region 5-AA-championship game.

Lamar County beat Callaway to win the region title, and it won Friday’s game as well.

With Tomiyah Alford leading the way with 34 points, Lamar County beat Callaway 76-54.

Both teams were hot early, with Callaway holding a 19-18 lead after the first quarter.

While Lamar County continued to knock down baskets in the second quarter, Callaway struggled offensively and trailed 42-25 at the half.

With Alford scoring 12 points in the third quarter, Lamar County was able to extend its lead to 60-41 heading to the final period.

Gabrielle Johnson had a big night for Callaway with 19 points, with 12 of those points coming in the third quarter.

Niakoe Burks added 12 points for Callaway, and Jasmine Dukes scored eight points.

Callaway’s teams will visit cross-town rival Troup today, with the girls’ game starting at 4 p.m., and the boys’ game to follow.