The ‘Landers had to work overtime but took care of business Tuesday night.
Cloudland took a hard-fought 64-61 overtime victory over Johnson County in nonconference action in Mountain City. The Lady ‘Landers dropped a heartbreaking 50-48 loss to the Lady Longhorns.
In the boys’ game, it was a nearly even battle from the onset.
After Cloudland jumped out to a 13-9 lead in the first eight minutes, the ‘Landers maintained the advantage throughout the second. CHS held a 28-26 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Johnson County and the ‘Landers swapped shots and the lead as JC captured a slim one-point lead after three complete quarters. Neither team was able to get any separation from the other in the final quarter of regulation as the teams were tied at the end of the fourth.
The extra period saw Cloudland take a lead and then held on in the closing seconds for the win.
Conner Birchfield and Hayden Shell had 13 points apiece, while Elijah Blair and Garrison Julian had 10 points apiece. Bentley Gilbert had nine points.
In the girls’ game, it was a tight battle from the opening tip.
Cloudland held a slim 11-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the homestanding Lady Longhorns held a 23-20 lead at the half.
After Johnson County pushed the lead to four points going to the fourth quarter, Cloudland fought back. The teams traded shots over the final eight minutes. Emmy Miller secured the win for the Lady Longhorns as she hit a pair of free throws with 4.2 seconds left for the win.
Jasmine Birchfield led Cloudland with 16 points, while Gracie Freeman had 14 points. Mandy Benfield finished with seven points.
