UPDATE: In a nail-biting showdown, the Monroe Golden Tornadoes triumphed over the Lee County Trojans with a score of 60-54, keeping the rivalry alive and igniting excitement among fans gathered at Lee County High School on the evening of November 3, 2023.
This clash, which was expected to be a rebuilding contest for both teams, transformed into a fiercely competitive encounter, showcasing the enduring spirit of this storied rivalry. Despite both teams returning only one starter from last season’s successful campaigns, the emotion on the court was palpable as players faced early foul troubles, leading to dramatic momentum swings.
The Golden Tornadoes took a slim 29-26 lead into halftime, but it was the explosive opening of the second half that captured the crowd’s attention. Kameron Jones kicked off the third quarter with a stunning slam dunk, momentarily boosting Monroe’s lead. However, the Trojans, led by a determined Kaiden Newberry, fought back, with Jerveah Martin converting a key layup to put Lee County ahead 42-41 late in the quarter.
With the score tightly contested, the game reached a critical juncture at 52-52 with just over a minute remaining. The decisive moments unfolded as Tristen Terry hit a free throw to break the tie, followed by a fast-break layup that propelled Monroe forward. Moments later, Hiram Holloway extended the lead to 57-52, prompting a timeout from Lee County head coach Kirven Davis.
Throughout the final possessions, Monroe’s aggressive full-court pressure forced the Trojans into crucial mistakes, sealing the victory and improving their record to 4-2 for the season. Braden Burns led Monroe with 20 points, while Terry contributed 14 points. For Lee County, Franklin was the standout with 14 points.
In a contrasting match, the No. 3-ranked Monroe Lady Nadas showcased their dominance by defeating Lee County with an impressive score of 67-43. This victory not only kept Monroe unbeaten at 7-0 but also marked head coach Jennifer Acree’s 450th career win.
Kie’Aundria Acree was the star of the game, delivering a phenomenal performance with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. The Lady Nadas raced to a commanding 13-3 lead in the first quarter, never allowing Lee County to threaten their control. Despite a brief resurgence from Lee County, led by Camya Hutcherson with 21 points, Monroe’s depth and pace proved overwhelming.
This thrilling evening of basketball not only highlighted the fierce competition between these two rival schools but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead for both teams. Fans will be eagerly anticipating their next matchups as the stakes continue to rise.