The Cape Fear Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament got underway tonight as Lee County Yellow Jackets played host to the Grays Creek Bears.

After a back and forth first period, Trey North (19 points, 8 rebounds) got loose for 11 points in the second quarter and staked Lee County to a 22-13 lead at the break.  Grays Creek, led by Trevor Thomas (13 points) and Brandon Smith (10 points) came out of the locker room on fire, tearing off an 8-0 run.

The fourth quarter opened with Lee County up 33-32, and was anybody’s game up until the very end.  Up by three with 45 seconds left, Lee County point guard, Walker Harrington, came up with a big steal.  Down the stretch, North and Jory Perkins combined to go 5 for 6 from the free throw line to ice it.

Final score: Lee County Yellow Jackets 50 – Grays Creek Bears 46.  The loss ends the season for the Bears who finish 9-12.  Lee Count, now 12-12, stays alive and will travel crosstown to Southern Lee for a Round 2 match up Thursday at 7:30.  The Cavaliers beat the Jackets in both of their regular season contests.  Lee County has their work cut out for them.