Lakeland High School boys’ basketball team trailed in the first half on Friday, but reversed the trend in the final 16 minutes to defeat visiting Booker T. Washington High School, 58-45.

“I thought that defensively we had a great display on this evening,” Cavaliers head coach Clint Wright said.

His team showed a sense of urgency in the days leading up to the contest that made him comfortable.

“I shared with the coaches earlier today that I thought the last two days of practice had been the best almost since tryouts,” Wright said on Friday.

The Trojans held an early advantage, leading 15-12 after the first quarter and 24-21 at halftime.

Wright said the defense triggered the turnaround, because “we kind of got the feel for them in the first half.”

He credited his assistants for timely suggestions that helped knock Booker T. off its rhythm.

The Cavaliers demonstrated good execution of their half-court offense, orchestrated largely by junior Kenya Latham, who dished out 10 assists.

“At times, Booker T. would run and jump, and with Kenya’s size, he was able to see the floor and make that pass,” Wright said.

Sophomore Deonta Knight led Lakeland with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Wright said Knight, sophomore Jaquan Yulee and senior Marche’ Everette had to defend players who were two to three inches taller than they were.

Though Yulee did not start, Wright said, “He ended the game, and he got some very strong rebounds toward the end,” finishing with nine.

Sophomores Qurante Budd and Khallil McGlone have been alternating as starters. Lately, the one coming off the bench has been having the best night, and on Friday, that was Budd, who had 14 points.

“He’s got one of the better strokes in the area,” Wright said. “It’s just a matter of maturing, and that’s going to happen with every game that he plays.”

Wright also credited senior Markese Wright with significant defense in the waning minutes on the Trojan’s top scorer, senior Steven Whitley. Latham also guarded him during the game. Though Whitley finished with 17 points, only three of them came in the second half.

Wright reacted to getting a win off his old college teammate and close friend, Trojans head coach Darren Sanderlin.

“There’s mixed emotions,” he said. “It was almost like beating a brother.”

“I’m glad that we got the win,” he said, but at the same time, “I don’t want to poke my chest out.”

The schools will have a rematch next year on the Trojans’ home court.

Lakeland (5-6, 0-2) hosts Deep Creek High School on Tuesday.