MIDDLESBORO — Staying between Kyler McLendon and the basket is one of the most difficult tasks for any defender in the 13th Region the past two seasons.
The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets saw for themselves just how tough it can be on Friday as McLendon followed a 43-point performance earlier in the year at Harlan with a 37-point outburst Friday in a 63-60 victory. McLendon was at his best down the stretch as he hit six-of-six shots in the fourth period as part of a nine-for-nine effort by the Dragons as they rallied for a 63-60 win.
“They were at the rim. He got in the lane more and didn’t settle for the jumper like he did earlier,” Harlan coach Derrick Akal said. “The way we executed tonight was like we should have last night (a loss to Pineville), but I’m super proud of them.”
“He’s a very special player,” Middlesboro coach John Wheat said of McLendon. “Anyone that can go either hand and finish at the rim and also can get to a spot across the perimeter or the elbow for a pull-up jumper is a very special player.”
The Jackets led 39-35 heading into the fourth quarter after Harlan had hit only two of 11 shots in the third period and was outscored 11-4. McLendon started the comeback with a 3-;pointer, then scored on five drives to the basket as the quarter progressed. Two baskets by Jerimah Beck pulled Middlesboro within three with 25 seconds left before Nate Montanaro and McLendon each hit two free throws to seal the victory.
“He’s so crafty when he gets by you. He’s under control,” Akal said. “He’s one of the tougher guys I’ve coached to stay in front of. As long as he’s aggressive then I think we have a chance a lot of nights.”
Trent Cole added 14 points for the Dragons, who played four games over the past five days.
The Jackets were led by Beck and Trent King with 16 points each and Cayden Grigsby with 11.
Wheat said the Jackets have made improvements on defense, especially of late. The Jackets suffered a 62-60 loss at Bell County a night earlier.
“Like I said in the earlier game our defense and rebounding would get better,” Wheat said of a 76-63 loss on Dec. 15. “I’m very proud of our defense and how everyone has bought into our defense. We’ve played several close games. At some point, we have to get lucky and get over the hump. We’re doing everything right. People can say it’s the officiating or this or that, but we have to take care of business and get over the hump and start winning.”
Harlan (6-13 overall, 2-2 district) returns to action Tuesday at home against Bell County in a girls/boys district doubleheader. Middlesboro (7-12 overall, 0-5 district) travels to Pineville on Tuesday.