Albany Dougherty breezes past Blakely Early County, Dougherty girls stop Leesburg Lee County

ALBANY — The Dougherty Trojans built a huge first-half lead and then held on for a 52-40 win over the Early County Bobcats Monday in the MLK Classic at Monroe. All of the Trojans saw plenty of playing time.

Dougherty led 22-5 at the end of the first quarter and 32-11 at the half. The Bobcats didn’t quit, however, and outscored the Trojans 18-7 in the final quarter.

Jeremiah Kitchens led the Trojans (12-6) with 17 points. Kaleke Singletary-Jnks scored eight and Markelle Jones added seven.

Nate Tinson led the Bobcats with 15 points, and Jabril Lindsey added 10.

The Trojans will play at Thomasville Friday night and then host undefeated Carver next Tuesday night in Albany. The Bobcats will host Terrell County in Blakely Friday night.

The Dougherty girls opened the MLK Classic Monday afternoon with a 61-40 win over Lee County.

Lee County freshman Tallyah Porter hit back-to-back baskets in the paint during the second quarter to give Lee County an 18-15 lead, but Dougherty kept pushing and Jatiana Chambers drilled a long three just before the end of the half to push Dougherty out to a 32-25 lead.

Porter landed on her left foot wrong and sat on the bench with ice the entire second half as Dougherty methodically pulled away. A D’Asia Simmons three-pointer gave Dougherty a 42-27 lead early in the fourth quarter and killed any hopes Lee County may have had of coming back.

Amiyah Jackson led Dougherty with 17 points, Chambers scored 16, and Simmons finished with 11. Kennedy Patrick led Lee County with 11 points and Camya Hutcherson added 10. Lee County was playing without junior guard Bayyinah Citlak.

Joe WhitfieldJoeWhitfield[email protected]