SANFORD, N.C. — Losing your first game of the year can be deflating for some teams, and even lead into another lackluster performance in the following contest.

Southern Lee isn’t one of those teams.

The Cavaliers blew away Brick City rival Lee County on Friday night, taking a 73-38 victory just a few days after seeing its first “L” in the standings.

Southern Lee (14-1, 5-1), back atop the Sandhills Athletic Conference as Union Pines lost to Pinecrest also on Friday, forced 21 turnovers and got out in transition early and often.

A 42-18 lead at halftime and 23-8 lead after the first quarter quickly erased any painful memories of Tuesday’s 77-71 loss to Union Pines. The 40-point margin, which triggered a running clock, was hit with about 3 and a half minutes left in the game.

Southern Lee was led by Nysheed Williams’ 23 points and seven rebounds. Tim Carnegie and Ja’Mauir Hall each had 11 and Jaden Best scored nine. Also scoring for the Cavs were: Brett Tate-Blanks (6), Christopher Tuck (4), Tristan Marsh (4), Robbie Sims (4), and Makai Carnegie (1).

Lee County (6-8, 2-3) was led by Nick Farrow’s 11 points. Other Yellow Jackets scorers included Adam McLean (8), M.J. Sanders (4), Ronnie Hooker (4), Braden Houchins (4) Aiden Poole (3), Kam Fox (2), and Ma’Qui Floyd (2).

Photo Gallery — Boys Basketball: Lee County vs. Southern Lee (January 17, 2025)