LONDON — Harlan is making a strong case as the 13th Region’s most improved team, rolling to a second straight scrimmage win with a 75-71 victory Saturday over Madison Southern in the G.J. Smith Showcase at South Laurel.
The Green Dragons never trailed in the scrimmage against their 11th Region opponent and built a 21-point advantage going into the fourth period when the Eagles found success with pressure and got as close as three in the final minute.
Harlan defeated Lee, Va., 62-43 in its first scrimmage last week.
The Dragons, who finished 5-25 last year with four freshmen starters, looked to be much improved with everyone returning from a rebuilding season. Four Dragons reached double figures Saturday, led by sophomore guard Izack Saylor with 18 points and sophomore forward Kobe Noe with 17. Ethan Huff and Jaxson Perry added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Sophomore guard Derek Helton scored 23 points and junior forward Jordan Dunaway added 20 to lead the Eagles, who finished 15-16 last season.
Noe hit two 3-pointers and completed a three-point play as the Dragons raced to an early 9-2 lead. Perry, Huff and Dylan Cox hit consecutive 3-pointers (three of the 12 on the night for Harlan) as the Dragons built a 20-9 lead after one quarter.
Perry hit a 3-pointer and Cox followed with a four-point play as Harlan extended its advantage to 41-25 at halftime.
Huff, Legend Mimes and Saylor each had baskets in the third quarter as the Dragons moved out to a 64-43 lead heading into the final period.
Harlan still led by 17 midway through the fourth quarter after baskets by Saylor, Huff and Noe. The Eagles reeled off 14 unanswered points to close within three on two free throws by Helton with 26.6 seconds left. Noe drew a foul with 13.9 seconds and hit one of two to close the scoring.
The Green Dragons open their regular season schedule Monday at Knox Central.
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Harlan (75) — Ethan Huff 13, Jaxson Perry 10, Dylan Cox 7, Eli Noe 4, Kobe Noe 17, Legend Mimes 6, Izack Saylor 18.
Madison Southern (71) — Jordan Dunaway 20, Luke Daniels 14, Derek Helton 23, Blake Bonham 6, Caleb Catron 1, Colin Sebastian 3, Bryant Brock 4.
