LYNN CAMP — With 12 regional All “A” Classic titles to their credit since the tournament started in 1990, the Harlan Lady Dragons have had their share of heroes though the years.
You can add Addison Campbell to the list.
Harlan’s sophomore guard took over with the Lady Dragons trailing 51-46 with four minutes to play. Campbell cut the deficit to three when she scored after Cheyenne Rhymer forced one of three Middlesboro turnovers down the stretch. Campbell then scored on an offensive rebound with 55 seconds to play to pull Harlan within one. After Morgan Martin hit one of two at the line with 30.3 seconds to play, Campbell nailed the game-winning trey with five seconds remaining.
“I’m really proud of her. That was a tough shot that was highly contested,” said Harlan coach Mackenzie Varner, who played on four regional All “A” championship teams at Harlan. “I’m really proud of all of them.”
The victory was especially sweet for the Lady Dragons after losing 62-53 to Middlesboro in last year’s tournament finals. The Lady Jackets defeated Harlan 64-52 in December at Middlesboro.
“I think this put us in a good position. We love this tournament, and we’re very hopeful,” Varner said. “This was our fourth game this week, so we’ve seen a lot of good and seen our weaknesses. Defense was our priority today, and I thought the girls did a good job.”
Campbell scored 18 and Rhymer added 13 to lead the Lady Dragons.
Middlesboro was led by Addison Lucas with 17 points and Millie Roberts with 14.
Roberts converted a pair of three-point plays as Middlesboro grabbed an early 7-2 lead. Raegan Goodman’s 3 to close the period helped Harlan rally for a 14-12 lead.
Baskets by Campbell, Rhymer and Peyshaunce Wynn helped Harlan build a 28-21 lead before Middlesboro fought back to cut the deficit to 32-30 at the break on a 3 by Roberts.,
Harlan never trailed in the third quarter, but two baskets by Lucas helped the Lady Jackets cut the deficit to 43-42 going into the final period.
Two more baskets by Lucas and a field goal off a drive by Morgan Martin gave Middlesboro a five-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Harlan (4-9) will play Jackson County on Monday at 6 in the semifinals. The Lady Generals advanced with a 66-27 rout of Williamsburg in the opening game Saturday. Sophia Martinez and Kylee Martin, both seventh graders, led Jackson County with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Adi Brockman added 11.
The 7-4 Lady Jackets play at Jackson County on Friday.
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Harlan (53) — Peyshaunce Wynn 7, Cheyenne Rhymer 13, Addison Campbell 18, Raegan Goodman 8, Shelby Doan 0, Addy Patton 7, Talae Taylor 0.
Middlesboro (52) — Morgan Martin 5, Millie Roberts 14, Emily Lambert 9, Addyson Larew 6, Addison Lucas 17, Trinity Derossett 1, Lily Partin 0.
Harlan 14 18 11 10 — 53
Middlesboro 12 18 12 10 — 52
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Jackson County (66) — Hannah Jackson 0, Baylee Berry 9, Rylee Bowman 6, Tilly Truett 5, Sophia Martinez 15, Adi Brockman 11, Sadie Turner 3, Kara Harris 3, Kylee Martin 14.
Williamsburg (27) — Abby Moses 3, Ellie Breeding 6, Braylee Evans 14, Bella Jeffries 4.
Jackson County 19 12 12 23 — 66
Williamsburg 4 6 8 9 — 27
