By Kevin Eckleberry

kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com

CARROLLTON – Bo Russell had a monster night to help the LaGrange Grangers beat home-standing Central-Carroll 72-66 on Tuesday in the Region 5-AAAA opener for both teams.

It was the fifth straight win for the Grangers, who improved to 10-5 while getting their region schedule started on a positive note.

Russell, LaGrange’s senior guard, exploded for 33 points, with 11 of those points coming during the critical fourth quarter.

Jordan Ogletree added 12 points, all in the second half, and Daz Williams scored 10 points.

Josh McClendon led Central-Carroll with 25 points.

Trailing 31-27 at the half, the Grangers outscored the Lions 23-18 in the third quarter to take a one-point lead.

Ogletree, a sophomore post player, scored eight points in the third quarter to help LaGrange surge ahead.

It remained tight in the fourth quarter, with LaGrange holding on for the road win.

In Tuesday’s girls’ game, LaGrange kicked off its region schedule with a 48-44 overtime win over Central-Carroll.

Chnaireiza Strozier led LaGrange with 17 points, and Aryan Dozier added 14 points in her first full game back after missing a few weeks.

The game was tied 42-42 at the end of regulation, and LaGrange outscored Central-Carroll 6-2 in the four-minute extra period to secure the win.

It was tight the whole way.

Central-Carroll led 19-17 at the half, and it was tied 26-26 at the close of the third period.

Both teams scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, and it was on to overtime.

LaGrange’s will be back on the road against Cedartown on Friday.

LaGrange will be back home on Tuesday against cross-town rival Troup.