URGENT UPDATE: In a high-stakes showdown at the Dougherty Tip-Off Classic on November 10, 2023, Lee County and Westover both secured impressive victories, setting the tone for the basketball season ahead. Fans packed the arena at Albany State, creating an electric atmosphere that felt more like midseason action than an early November game.
Lee County dominated their matchup against Dougherty, pulling away with a decisive 66-43 win. The game showcased the skill of senior guard T.J. Williams, who ignited the Trojans with pivotal plays, finishing the night with 16 points. After a tightly contested first quarter, Lee County went on a scoring spree, outpacing Dougherty with a strong defensive performance and superior transition game.
The first half saw a back-and-forth battle, with the score tied at 5-5 before Williams hit a crucial three-pointer, giving Lee County the momentum they needed. By halftime, they had regained control, leading 29-25. The second half was all about Lee County as they outscored Dougherty 23-11 in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game.
Meanwhile, the nightcap featured a gripping contest between Westover and Monroe. The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading leads throughout. After a 12-12 tie at the end of the first quarter, Monroe managed to edge ahead with a 27-24 halftime lead. However, Westover came back strong in the third quarter, scoring 22 points to Monroe’s 7, flipping the script and establishing a double-digit lead.
Tyqwavius Johnson led Westover with 13 points, while Monroe’s Tristen Terry battled hard, finishing with 19 points. Despite their efforts, Monroe could not overcome Westover’s lead, falling to a final score of 60-53.
“We came up short, but I’m extremely proud of my young team,”
stated Monroe head coach Michael Hoffpauir. “We had too many live-ball turnovers, but I was really pleased with our defense. We’ll continue building.”
Looking ahead, Monroe will face off against Valdosta on Friday night, while Westover travels to Lowndes on Tuesday. Lee County will host Tift County on the same day, and Dougherty is set to host Colquitt County.
This thrilling start to the season not only highlights the competitive spirit of these teams but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting basketball year. Fans are already buzzing about the upcoming games, eager to see how these teams will build on their early successes.
