They made it look easy.

Facing an Alexander team that was off to a quick 2-0 start against Region 5-AAAA competition, the LaGrange Lady Grangers came out and showed no mercy Friday night.

LaGrange gave up just two points in the first period en route to a 66-45 home victory.

The Lady Grangers, who have risen to sixth in the state in the coach’s poll, improved to 12-1 overall and 2-0 in region play.

“We knew they were a physical team. We knew we had to play our style of ballgame and not even left them have a chance to hang around,” LaGrange head coach Jan Jones said. “We felt like if we let them have a chance, then some things could go bad because they are so physical. I thought the girls handled that pretty well tonight.”

The Lady Grangers dominated the first period, seizing a 16-2 lead after the first eight minutes.

LaGrange was up 38-16 at the half, and 53-29 through three periods.

“We still have to get in better basketball shape,” Jones said. “We were a little bit winded in the third and fourth quarter. But that’ll come with playing.”

Brittany Tatum, who earlier this season became the program’s all-time leading scorer, led the way with 25 points and fellow guard Steara Mitchell added 17 points.

As for the state ranking, Jones is appreciative to know that her fellow coaches respect what the team is doing.

“I’m proud of that,” she said. “I’m glad we’re on the radar a little bit.”

LaGrange will be on the road against Fayette County today.