A four-game winning streak by Middlesboro and a three-game losing streak by Harlan each came to an end Tuesday as the Lady Dragons put together perhaps their best performance of the season in a 52-48 win over the visiting Lady Jackets.
Senior forward Raegan Goodman led the 6-13 Lady Dragons with 18 points. Guards Cheyenne Rhymer and Addison Campbell each added 11 points.
“I thought we had a lot of girls step up. I was really proud of Raegan. She had a great offensive night and defensive night and went to the boards,” Harlan coach Mackenzie Varner said. “We knew she was capable of that, and we’re glad to see her do it.”
The 11-6 Lady Jackets were led by junior guards Millie Roberts and Morgan Martin with 20 and 11 points, respectively.
Each team was playing without one of its top players as Harlan guard Peyshaunce Wynn and Middlesboro guard Emily Lambert were each sidelined by ankle injuries.
After falling behind 14-11 after one quarter, the Lady Dragons battled back behind two baskets each from Rhymer and Goodman in an 8-0 run. Goodman’s 3 to close the half gave Harlan a 26-20 lead at the break.
Harlan led 33-29 after three quarters, then started to pull away in the fourth as Addy Cochran, Talae Taylor and Addyson Patton each scored to push the lead to 46-34 with just over three minutes left.
Middlesboro battled back with the help of a couple of turnovers and ill-advised shots by the Lady Dragons and got as close as four on a 3 by Morgan Martin in the final minute. A free throw by Goodman helped Harlan put the game away.
“We had some young girls come off the bench and do great jobs. Addy Cochran and Talae and all of them did a great job,” Varner said. “That was a high intensity game, and were able to match their intensity. We really focused on the importance of this district game. They worked really hard the last two practices and it translated into their performance today.”
Harlan returns to action Thursday at home against Knott Central. Middlesboro will play host to Harlan County on Friday in a district girls/boys doubleheader.
———
Harlan (52) — Cheyenne Rhymer 11, Addison Campbell 11, Shelby Doan 0, Talae Taylor 1, Raegan Goodman 18, Addyson Patton 7, Addy Cochran 4.
Middlesboro (48) — Morgan Martin 11, Millie Roberts 20, Addyson Larew 5, Trinity Derossett 5, Azailah Petty 6, Lily Partin 1.