Midlothian opens season with a win thanks to Vincent Lee's perfect night

Denton -- It took two clutch free-throws from Midlothian’s move-in Vincent Lee (12 points 8-for-8 from free-throws) with 10.9 seconds left in regulation to put the Panthers ahead of the Denton Guyer (TexasHoops.com preseason 6A No.3 ranked), 57-56. The Wildcats had a point-blank attempt at a lay-in that rolled off the rim to fall to defeat in their season opener at home.

The Panthers took an earlier 13-4 lead in the first quarter behind junior guard Caleb Jordan and his eight points (two three-pointers), but the Wildcats went on an 8-2 run before the quarter expired after a buzzer-beating layup by Wildcats’ Jalen Wilson to make it 15-12. -But the Panthers lead grew to 12 at the half, 28-16, and once again it was Jordan who added another three-pointer and went into the locker room with 17 first-half points, outscoring the entire Wildcats team.

After the break, the Wildcats were led by sophomore sensations Wilson (22 points for the game) and De’vion Harmon (19 points for the game). The pair combined for 30 second half points. Still, Midlothian held on to the lead throughout the 3rd to head into the final eight minutes of play, clinging to a 38-31 lead.

To begin the 4th, the Wildcats dashed to a tie at 38, scoring seven points in 32 seconds (6:28), and Harmon tied the game with an “and one.” The lead would change once more, and at the 5:15 mark it was Wilson’s turn who finished off his “and one” opportunity to give Guyer their first lead of the game at 41-40. The Wildcats added to the lead after two free-throws by Harmon, 43-40, which would be their biggest of the game.

Kaden Archie of Midlothian was the difference in the 4th quarter, leading all scorers with 13 points (24 for the game) in the final quarter. He slashed his way to rim and create contact to get to the line. Archie went 5-of-6 down the stretch of the game and broke down the Wildcats defense.

Both teams opened the 2015-2016 season playing each other at Midlothian, and the road team grabbed the victory. Denton Guyer won that contest 69-66.

Midlothian held Guyer to four second quarter points. Guyer’s points came from the free-throw line as they went 4-for-7.

Jordan was held scoreless in the second half.

Guyer went 19-for-29 from the free-throw line, whole Midlothian connected 17-of-19