Rose City Split: John Tyler Boys Roll + Lee Girls Upset JT

TYLER -- For the first time since 2010, crosstown rivals Tyler Lee and John Tyler met on the hardwood in district action, facing off in key 11-6A contests Friday at the Lions Den.

The John Tyler boys used a big second quarter to blow past Lee, 68-56, to climb back into postseason contention. Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders handed the JT girls its second consecutive league loss with a 60-56 upset win.

The Lions (8-11, 2-3) turned a two-point deficit at the end of the first period into a 17-point halftime lead by outscoring the Red Raiders, 24-5, in the second quarter.

Lee cut into the deficit, 48-42, heading into the final quarter before the John Tyler was able to finish off the Red Raiders (7-11, 1-4).

Bryson Smith led the Lions' charge with 17 points, while sophomore Ke'Andre Street added 16. Kadavion Key and Mashaud Moore put up 12 points apiece in the win as well.

The loss spoiled a big night for Lee post Kirby Mabry, who led all scorers with 21 points.

Both JT and Lee return to action Tuesday night. The Lions host Rockwall, while Lee travels to Rockwall-Heath.

Despite trailing for most of the night, the Lady Raiders (13-12, 4-3) surged in front with a 23-point fourth quarter to pull to within one game of John Tyler (15-8, 5-2) in the 11-6A standings.

Lee had four players score in double digits, led by Ke'Aja Lacy's 14 points. Ja'Kayla Bowie and Aaliyah Morgan added 11 points apiece, while Alyssa Thorne finished with 10.

John Tyler was led by Alyssa Mayfield, who had 16 points. Destini Whitehead finished with 14 points, while Bri Criss chipped in with 11.

Lee plays host to Rockwall-Heath, while the Lady Lions are at Rockwall on Tuesday night.

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BOYS

John Tyler 68, Tyler Lee 56

At Lions Den, John Tyler HS

Lee 18 5 19 14 — 56
John Tyler 16 24 8 20 — 68
LEE (7-11, 1-4) — Kirby Mabry, 21; Mike Donnell, 9; Isaiah Davison, 8; Jalen Smith, 7; Keashun Davis, 5; Chance Amie, 4; Bryce Harden, 2.
JOHN TYLER (8-11, 2-3) — Bryson Smith, 17; Ke’Andre Street, 16; Kadavion Key, 12; Mashaud Moore, 12; Brad Blaylock, 6; Gerald Berry, 3; Demontae Johnson, 2.
THREE-POINT GOALS — Lee: Davis, Davison, Smith. John Tyler: Key (2), Smith.

GIRLS

Tyler Lee 60, John Tyler 56

At Lions Den, John Tyler HS

Lee 7 20 10 23 — 60
John Tyler 19 15 8 14 — 56
LEE (13-12, 4-3) — Ke’Aja Lacy, 14; Ja’Kayla Bowie, 11; Aaliyah Morgan, 11; Alyssa Thorne, 10; Tyreesha Blaylock, 6; Heavunli Reese, 5; Hannah Haynes, 3.
JOHN TYLER (15-8, 5-2) — Alyssa Mayfield, 16; Destini Whitehead, 14; Bri Criss, 11; Ke’Vonshay Johnson, 7; Daz Johnson, 5; Kaleon Grant, 3.
THREE-POINT GOALS — Lee: Haynes, Lacy. John Tyler: Whitehead (2), K. Johnson, Mayfield.