Timber Creek takes Roundball Classic title over Lee County

LEESBURG — New Year’s Eve fireworks were ready for midnight. The celebration came sooner for Timber Creek.

On New Year’s Eve, the Timber Creek Wolves rang in the holiday a few hours early, holding off the Lee County Trojans 62-56 to win the Black Bracket championship of the 10th annual Lee County Roundball Classic.

In a game that never quite tipped out of reach but never fully swung Lee County’s way, Timber Creek repeatedly answered just as the Trojans appeared ready to make their move.

The opening quarter was tight before Noah Taylor buried a late 3-pointer to give the Wolves a 16-12 edge. Timber Creek nudged the lead to 22-16 early in the second quarter, but Lee County responded with energy. Jayshawn Maddox sliced through traffic for a layup that tied the game at 22-22 and briefly shifted momentum.

That momentum didn’t last.

Timber Creek closed the half with seven straight points to take a 29-22 lead into the break, then used defensive pressure and quick strikes to seize control in the third quarter. Sketchy passing and tough Wolves defense helped stretch the margin to 43-28 before Lee County head coach Kirven Davis called timeout to regroup.

The Trojans steadied themselves defensively and kept Timber Creek off the scoreboard the rest of the quarter, but still faced an 11-point deficit at 43-32 heading into the fourth.

Lee County made one final push as the calendar crept closer to midnight. Trey Bush sparked the rally with a long 3-pointer, then followed with a steal and basket on the next possession to trim the gap to seven. Each time Lee County crept closer, Timber Creek responded — this time behind Shawn David Sherry and Chase Hibbard, who pushed the lead back to 12.

The Trojans had one more surge left. TJ Williams knocked down a 3-pointer, and Bush struck again with another steal and score to cut the deficit to six. But the Wolves stayed composed, ran clock, and closed it out before the real fireworks began outside.

Josiah Franklin led Lee County with 19 points and earned All-Tournament honors. Bush finished with 12 points — all in the fourth quarter — while Williams added eight.

Hibbard led Timber Creek with 17 points and was named tournament MVP. Sherry followed with 16 points, and Taylor added seven while also earning All-Tournament recognition.

Lee County slipped to 5-7 but won’t have much time to linger on the loss. The Trojans travel to Florida on Saturday to face Destin High School Sharks (6-6) before opening region play Tuesday at home against Northside of Warner Robins.