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Jr. Highlanders win Tri-County title in four OTs

By Staff Reports

By Joe Byrd
Correspondent
AFTON — Cloudland’s Jeffrey Puckett hit two free throws with 8.2 seconds left in the fourth overtime to lift the Highlanders to the Tri-County Middle School basketball conference championship here Thursday night, ending a season of frustration against Happy Valley with a 39-37 victory over the Warriors.
Happy Valley thought the title was going home with the Warriors until late in the fourth quarter when Puckett hit a layup to send the game into overtime. One extra frame wouldn’t do, nor would another and even one after that. Finally with the two sides deep into the fourth added period and staring a fifth one right in the eyes, Puckett came through for the win.
“Oh man, I thought I’ve played in some games, but that was a dang game right there,” said Highlanders coach Jordan Hughes. “There isn’t much you can say. This is about as good as you can have it.”
BULLDOGS THIRD
Hampton’s boys placed third in the tournament, beating host Chuckey-Doak 57-37 in the consolation game.