The Harlan Green Dragons (9-4) have extended their win streak to six knocking off Clay County, TN 56-54 in the championship game of the Monticello Bank Classic held at Wayne County High School.
Jordan Akal led all scores with 25 points going 6 for 6 at the charity stripe and connecting on 8 field goals.
Tennessee Tech signee Grant Strong pitched in 21 points on the evening after a 40 point performance the night before. The Dragons defensive effort to limit touches for strong was effective throughout much of the game. Defensive pressure created a turnover to secure the game. Strong was unable to get a shot off as time expired.
Key reserve Matthew Pennington came off the bench to give the Dragons an enormous lift defensively grabbing multiple rebounds and blocking a critical shot down the stretch.
Gist connected on two free throws late in the game to push the Dragons ahead 51-49, a lead they never relinquished.
Kaleb Mclendon, Jae’dym Gist, and Will Austin were named to the All-Tournament Team. Senior Jordan Akal, averaged 22 points over the three game span, took home Most Valuable Player honors.
Scoring:
Kyler Mclendon 6, Will Austin 9, Kaleb Mclendon 8, Jae’dyn Gist 6, Matthew Pennington 2
The Green Dragons will return to action at home on Tuesday, January 4th as they look to avenge an early season loss to the Panther Doc Pikeville.
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