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LEESBURG — The Ocoee Knights rallied from an early deficit to take a 59-52 victory over the Worth County Rams in the Round Ball Classic at Lee County High School on Thursday afternoon. The win brought the Knights’ record to 6-6, while the Rams fell to 3-8.

Worth County’s James Raymond came out strong, scoring 10 points in the first quarter to help the Rams establish an early advantage. They led 19-13 midway through the second quarter before Ocoee responded with a 10-0 run to seize a 23-19 lead. Ashton Williams briefly stopped the Knights’ momentum with a long three-pointer, but the Rams managed just six points in the second quarter and trailed 24-22 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Ocoee senior Ashton Billings took charge, draining a deep three-pointer to push the Knights ahead 42-30. Worth County answered with a surge of defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and scoring eight straight points. Early in the fourth quarter, Shermon Smith’s drive to the basket cut the Knights’ lead to 42-40. Moments later, Billings struck again with another three-pointer, extending Ocoee’s lead to 45-40.

The Rams continued to fight, despite Williams fouling out with just under seven minutes to play. Sophomore Caleb Thomas stepped up, hitting two three-pointers, including one after a jumper from Raymond that brought the Rams within a point at 50-49 with 3:55 remaining.

The Knights maintained their composure in the closing minutes, responding with key baskets and clutch free throws. Billings sealed the victory by hitting four free throws as the Rams fouled to regain possession.