Rebuilding following the graduation of three starters from last year’s 24-win team that was ranked among the state’s best squads, the Harlan Green Dragons spent much of their summer schedule adjusting to new roles.
Harlan closed its summer schedule Thursday with a pair of losses in the Excursion All A Summer Classic at Leslie County High School. Beth Haven, a private school in Louisville, was the champion of the 11-team tournament. Six regions were represented at the tournament.
The Dragons lost star senior guard Kyler McLendon to illness early in their first game against Jenkins but managed to lead most of the way until Jenkins hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to win 46-45. Harlan fell 70-55 to Menifee County in the consolation bracket.
Freshman guard Trenton Cole scored 16 points to lead the Dragons against Jenkins. Hunter Clem scored 10 points and Matthew Pennington added nine. Dylan Cox tossed in six. Jaxson Perry and Dylan Collins chipped in with two each,
Harlan shot well early as Cole and Pennington each hit three 3-pointers and Cox added two in the first half. Clem had five baskets as the Dragons led 34-31 at the break.
The Dragons didn’t hit any 3s in the second half and were limited to two field goals as the Cavaliers battled back to win in the closing seconds.