ONEIDA — Harlan Independent and Jackson County squared off in a physical battle in the third game of the 13th Region All “A” Tournament, and the Green Dragons pulled away late for an 80-65 victory.
From the opening tip, it was clear the game would be played with a high level of intensity. Both teams came out playing tough and aggressive, but Harlan got rolling early behind the duo of Kobe Noe and Dylan Cox. The pair combined for 17 first-quarter points as the Green Dragons jumped out to a 24-16 lead.
Harlan continued to control the pace in the second quarter behind strong play from Noe and Cox, along with Izack Saylor, who scored seven points in the period. The teams traded baskets throughout the quarter, but the Green Dragons carried a 45-34 advantage into halftime.
Jackson County refused to go away. The Generals battled throughout the third quarter and cut the deficit to eight points on multiple occasions, outscoring Harlan 14-13 in the frame. Still, Harlan held on to a 56-48 lead heading into the fourth.
In the final period, Harlan went back to its go-to player. Noe took over, scoring 13 points in the quarter while also battling on the glass. The Green Dragons sealed the win at the free-throw line, knocking down 7-of-9 attempts in crunch time to close out any hopes of a Jackson County comeback.
Noe led all scorers with 28 points for Harlan. Senior Dylan Cox added 21 points, while Izack Saylor finished with 14 as the Green Dragons advanced with an 80-65 win.
