The Hobbton junior varsity team played at Lakewood Friday and lost 57-44. The Leopards led 11-8 after the opening period and held a 30-22 lead at intermission. In the second half, Lakewood continued to gradually increase the margin and led 43-34 following the third quarter.

The Leopards, with a balanced scoring attack, were led by Kevin Murphy with 14 points. Pat Rich connected on 13 and Michael Smith added 11. Nicholas Butler contributed 9 points. Jabrel Cooper scored 4, and Tristan Baucom and Dominique Williamson provided 2 each.

For the Wildcats, Arell Owens dropped in 20 points. Zaiquain Barksdale added 7, and Garrett Carr had 4. Charles Chesnutt, Jonathan Kaison, Cobey Boone, and Jodeci Terry all scored 3. Reid Justice hit a free throw.

With the win, Lakewood improves to 7-3 overall and 2-3 in the Tri-County Conference. Hobbton falls to 1-5 and 0-4.

With the exam period next week neither team will play again until Friday, when Lakewood travels to Pender and Hobbton hosts James Kenan.