Harlan entered its All ‘A’ Classic State Tournament first round matchup with Martin County Averaging 11.7 made 3-pointers per game.
The Green Dragons exited the tournament connecting on an ice cold 5-of-37 effort from long range during their slim 50-49 loss.
Harlan’s 49-point output equaled the lowest point total they’ve scored in a game. The last time they were held to 49 points was back on Dec. 6 when the Green Dragons defeated Hazard, 49-48.
Derrick Akal’s squad entered the contest as one of the top scoring teams in the state with its 76.4 scoring average.
But Harlan could never get on track, connecting on 19-of-65 shot attempts for the game. The Green Dragons won the rebounding battle, 47-28, but their 16 turnovers led to 13 points for Martin County.
Harlan trailed 13-12 at the end of the first quarter before taking a 30-27 lead at halftime. The Green Dragons’ advantage was cut to 39-37 at the end of the third quarter.
Martin County outscored Harlan, 13-10, in the fourth quarter to advance to quarterfinal action after Akal’s squad managed to misfire on 2-of-13 shot attempts during the final eight minutes.
Will Austin led the Green Dragons with 16 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists while Jae’Dyn Gist finished with 14 points, and nine rebounds. Kyler McLendon added 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Kaleb McLendon scored six points, and pulled down seven rebounds.
