Langston Hughes Panthers top Lee County for Round Ball Championship

LEESBURG — The Langston Hughes Panthers (6-5) stifled Lee County’s high-powered offense in the second half, allowing just seven third-quarter points en route to a 55-46 victory Saturday night to claim the Black Bracket Championship in the Round Ball Classic.

“We had a great first half against a deep and seasoned team,” said Lee County Head Coach Kirven Davis. “But we had too many unforced turnovers in the second half to beat a team like that.”

The Panthers opened the game with a three-pointer on their first possession and held the lead until Kam Sanders hit a long three-pointer to put the Trojans up 11-10. Braden Moore followed with a three-point play to extend Lee County’s lead to 14-10 by the end of the first quarter. The Trojans’ strong defensive effort held Langston Hughes to just six second-quarter points, giving Lee County a 23-16 lead at halftime.

However, the Panthers found their stride early in the third quarter. Addison Dyer and point guard Andrew Taylor fueled a 21-7 run that put Langston Hughes ahead 37-30 heading into the final period.

The Trojans showed flashes of a comeback in the fourth quarter with strong defensive pressure, but a string of three consecutive turnovers halted their momentum, allowing Langston Hughes to maintain control and secure the victory.

Braden Moore led Lee County with 21 points, while Sanders added 11 and Ousmane Kromah chipped in 10. Dyer scored 18 to lead Langston Hughes with Taylor putting in 13.

Sixteen teams from Georgia, Florida, and Alabama competed in the three-day Round Ball Classic, hosted by Lee County High School. The Trojans defeated Lake Mineola and Dougherty to reach the bracket championship, and despite the loss, Davis praised the tournament’s overall success.

“The competition level was high, and the teams were skilled,” Davis said. “It was a great atmosphere and a huge experience for our South Georgia teams and fans.”

The Trojans are scheduled to host Peachtree Ridge (6-8) Saturday night in Leesburg. Peachtree Ridge is currently on a road trip to Southern California competing in a holiday tournament.