There’s a strong air of nostalgia encircling the Lexington High School boys’ basketball program.

It’s not just because the Wildcats are off to a 8-0 start. On Saturday, they routed county neighbor Gilbert 87-35 behind 18 points from Mason Carver, 16 from Bradley Foulks and 12 from Joe Long.

This was the latest contest to serve as a “Homecoming” for former Lexington players. During home games this season, head coach Bailey Harris has given a past player alumni captain status to sit with the team with the jersey and number he proudly wore for the program.

“We’ve just been looking at ways to get alumni involved,” he said. “A couple of these guys had not been back in the new gym at all. So, we want to try to get alumni involved. It’s been great to see them back.”

The latest honoree was Felder Leaphart. Ironically, the Wildcats had to upexpectedly call back recently retired longtime trainer Damone Leaphart for assistance for this game as the regular trainers were unavailable.

An even more pleasant surprise for Harris is his team’s strong early-season play. Concern about a lack of height has been diminished by the scrappy, hard effort displayed by the team, particularly on defense.’

“I thought we could score,” he said. “We’re awful small. But, we’ve been able to hold our own defensively so far. A lack of size hasn’t killed us yet. It did somewhat in preseason scrimmages when we saw some superior post players...against (A.C.) Flora and (W.J.) Keenan, we struggled with that. With what we’ve got, the way we’re playing, getting after it, I think we’re playing hard, playing smart. They’re a fun group to coach which is important, too.”

Lexington returns to action Tuesday at Airport. It will then play host to Dreher in the finale of the inaugural Auto-Owners Insurance Showcase on Dec. 15.

River Bluff 74, Swansea 28

Myles Jenkins scored 15 points and Andrew Robinson added 14 as the Gators improved to 9-1 on the season.

Keenan Coats scored a game-high 19 points for the Tigers

(GIRLS)

Swansea 52, River Bluff 23

Danae McNeal had a game-high 28 points and Lauryn Robinson added 15 to lead the 3rd-ranked Lady Tigers (2-1).

Dori Heldreth scored 11 points for the Lady Gators.

Lexington 77, Gilbert 27

University of South Carolina commit Olivia Thompson scored a game-high 23 points and surpassed the 1,500-point plateau as the Lady Wildcats improved to 6-1 on the season.

Thompson now has 1,517 career points. 

Alexis Sexton added 15 points in the win.