Dragons edge West Jessamine behind 30 from McLendon

Kyler McLendon and Will Austin combined for 50 points Saturday as Harlan escaped London with an 82-79 win over West Jessamine in the Ted Cook Classic at South Laurel.
McLendon, a junior guard, fired in 30 points, including 15 of 16 free throws, while Austin, a senior forward, finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Harlan also got 17 points from senior guard Jaedyn Gist, as well as nine rebounds and five assists. Eighth-grade Trent Cole nailed three 3-pointers for nine points, including a trey in the final minute to put the Dragons ahead.
The Colts were led in scoring by senior guard Daniel Waters with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Gavin Salva, a senior forward, followed with 23 points for West Jessamine. Senior guard Jacob Jones added 14 points. Drew Marshall, also a senior guard, tossed in nine points, seven assists and six rebounds
The Colts held a 39-37 rebounding edge over Harlan.
West Jessamine shot 51 percent from the field on 33 of 65 shooting. The Dragons were 27 of 69 from the field for 39 percent.
Harlan connected on nine of 31 treys while the Colts were just two of 13 from behind the arc.
Other scores from the classic on Saturday include: Harlan County 88, Mercer County 45; South Laurel 66, McCreary Central 47 and Rockcastle County 69, Bell County 62.
Harlan (2-0) will battle Hazard on Tuesday at 7:45 p.m., in the first round of the WYMT Mountain Classic at Perry Central High School. Breathitt County takes on Martin County at 6.
West Jessamine (0-3) plays host to Trinity Christian on Tuesday.
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Harlan (82) — Kyler McLendon 30, Kaleb McLendon 3, Dylan Cox 3, Jaedyn Gist 17, Will Austin 20, Trent Cole 9, Connor Daniels 0, Nate Montanaro 0.
West Jessamine (79) — Jacob Jones 14, Daniel Waters 24, Drew Marshall 9, Gavin Salva 23, Brett Bush 5, Ben Hershey 4, KaVon Lyvers 0.