Lee County outruns Valdosta, 65-33

LEESBURG — Lee County basketball coach Kirven Davis knew his team would face growing pains this summer.

After all, the Trojans entered June having lost four starters from last season’s squad.

Two graduated. Two moved away.

Yet if Tuesday’s performance was any indication, the rebuilding process may be ahead of schedule.

Lee County overwhelmed Valdosta (2) 65-33 during a summer basketball workout at Lee County High School, using relentless defense and transition offense to turn what appeared on paper to be a challenging matchup into a lopsided victory.

“Surprisingly, we are getting better,” Davis said. “Today was good. Our young, inexperienced guys are being forced to grow up fast.”

The Trojans wasted little time showing that growth.

Lee County’s pressure defense created problems for the Wildcats from the opening tip, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy baskets. The Trojans raced to a 13-3 lead and never looked back.

By halftime, Lee County had stretched the advantage to 43-13.

The Wildcats struggled to handle the Trojans’ defensive intensity, and whenever Lee County forced a turnover, the Trojans seemed to beat Valdosta down the floor for another transition basket.

What impressed Davis most wasn’t an individual performance.

It was the collective effort.

“No one person stood out,” Davis said. “We are trying to get a full buy-in from everyone.”

That approach is especially important this season.

Lee County is replacing a significant amount of production from last year’s team. The Trojans graduated point guard TJ Williams and power forward Trecori Green. They also lost 6-foot-6 forward Kaiden Newberry and guard Ashton McKinney, who both moved away.

Those departures left major holes in the lineup and forced younger players into expanded roles.

“We had two starters that moved away — 6-foot-6 Kaiden Newberry and 5-foot-10 Ashton McKinney,” Davis said. “That is forcing us to step up in all areas.”

The responsibility now falls largely on senior leaders Josiah Franklin, Jashawn Maddox and Tremayne Johnson.

Davis said the trio has embraced the challenge of guiding a roster that is still finding its identity.

“Josiah Franklin, Jashawn Maddox and Tremayne Johnson are our senior leaders, and they are filling huge shoes,” Davis said.

Tuesday’s performance suggested the Trojans are beginning to understand what Davis expects.

The defensive effort was consistent. The ball moved well offensively. Most importantly, Lee County played with energy from start to finish despite holding a commanding lead throughout the second half.

Summer basketball results often matter less than development, but Davis has liked what he has seen from his team in recent weeks.

The Trojans may be inexperienced, but they are gaining confidence with every workout.

And on Tuesday, they looked nothing like a team replacing four starters.

The summer showcase continued Wednesday with games being played at both Lee County High School and Monroe High School as area teams continued preparations for the upcoming season.