UPDATE: In a thrilling clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Monroe Golden Tornadoes triumphed over the Lee County Trojans with a final score of 60-54 on the night of November 3, 2023. This intense rivalry game unfolded at Lee County High School, showcasing a fierce battle that defined the storied matchup.
The atmosphere was electric as both teams, fresh off Final Four runs last season, faced off with one starter each returning. The game quickly turned into a back-and-forth contest filled with tension and emotion. Key players found themselves in foul trouble, affecting both gameplay and strategy.
Monroe held a slim lead of 29-26 at halftime, but the action heated up in the third quarter. Star player Kameron Jones energized the Golden Tornadoes with a powerful slam dunk. However, Lee County retaliated, with Kaiden Newberry making a pivotal steal that set up Jerveah Martin for a layup, putting the Trojans ahead 42-41 late in the quarter.
With the crowd roaring, Monroe regained the lead as Braden Burns sank crucial free throws, closing the third quarter at 43-42. The final moments of the game were nail-biting, with the score tied at 52 and just over a minute remaining.
Monroe sealed the victory with decisive plays. Tristen Terry broke the tie with a free throw and capitalized on a Lee County turnover for a fast-break layup. Hiram Holloway added another basket, extending the lead to 57-52, prompting a timeout from Lee County coach Kirven Davis.
Monroe’s full-court pressure proved too much for Lee County, as they forced critical mistakes and controlled the closing possessions. Burns led the Golden Tornadoes with 20 points, while Terry contributed 14 points. For Lee County, Franklin paced the team with 14 points, and Kendrell Butler added 10 points.
The excitement didn’t end there. In the girls’ matchup, the No. 3-ranked Monroe Lady Nadas dominated the court, defeating Lee County decisively. They surged to a commanding lead of 13-3 after the first quarter and never looked back, ultimately winning 67-41. This victory marked 450th career win for head coach Jennifer Acree, keeping the Lady Nadas unbeaten at 7-0.
Kie’Aundria Acree was a standout performer, scoring an impressive 33 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, ensuring the Lady Nadas maintained control throughout the game. Despite a strong effort from Lee County’s Camya Hutcherson, who scored 21 points, the Lady Nadas’ depth and pace proved insurmountable.
As the season continues, both Monroe teams show great promise and resilience. Stay tuned for further updates as they aim to build on these hard-fought victories.
