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LEESBURG – After falling to Crisp County 46-42 the night before, the Sumter County Varsity Boys Basketball Team (SCHS) took the short drive down Highway 19 to Leesburg on Saturday with hopes of exacting revenge over Lee County (LCH) for their loss to the Trojans earlier in the season. Unfortunately for the Panthers, they were unable to be efficient on either end of the floor and it led to a 69 -29 loss at the hands of a strong LCH club.

Austin Davis led the Panthers in scoring with eight points.

The Trojans jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter. This was the result of the full-court pressure employed by LCH and the Panthers’ inability to make shots.

Over the next couple of minutes, both teams traded baskets, but the Trojans were able to take a 16-8 lead when Braylon Chaney threw an ally oop pass to Josiah Parker, who dunked the ball to crowd’s delight.

Over the first few minutes of the second quarter, the Panthers had to contend with a tenacious half-court trap by the Trojans. This seemed to disrupt the SCHS offense and it gave LCH the opportunity to extend their lead.

As the first half continued, the Panthers continued to struggle at both ends of the floor. They were missing easy shots on offense and they were getting out rebounded on the defensive end, which led to second chance points for the Trojans. By halftime, the Panthers were trailing LCH 33-12.

Over the first few minutes of the third quarter, things went from bad to worse for the Panthers, as the Trojans outscored them 10-1 over the first two and a half minutes. The Panthers tried to employ a full-court press against LCH, but it was to no avail, as the Trojans were able to break the press.

As the second half continued, the Panthers tried their best to get themselves back into the game, but the Trojans would go on to defeat SCHS 69-29.

Josiah Parker led the Trojans in scoring with 19 points.

The Panthers (0-4) will try to earn their first win of the season when they travel down to Tifton, GA on Friday, December 15, to take on the Blue Devils of Tift County. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.