Why does Stacey most likely defend Cassie's behavior toward Lillian Jean?
Read the excerpt from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.

"Mama gonna whip you good, too," said prideful Little Man, still fuming as we approached the school. "'Cause I'm gonna sure tell it."

"Naw you ain't," said Stacey. There was a shocked silence as all heads turned to him. "This here thing's between Cassie and Lillian Jean and ain't nobody telling nobody nothin' 'bout this." He stared directly at T. J., caught his eye, and repeated, "Nobody."

He believes that Cassie and Lillian Jean should be friends.

He senses that Cassie has a valid reason for her behavior.

He likes that she is going against her father’s wishes.

He wants to shift everyone’s attention from Cassie to himself.