Raiders drop game to host Leslie County in OT

Nick Longmire scored 23 points in McCreary Central’s loss to Leslie County.

By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com

HYDEN – Host Leslie County managed to edge McCreary Central 61-60 in overtime in the second round of the Hyden Citizens Bank Holiday Classic on Friday.
With the loss, McCreary Central slipped to 5-8.
Leslie County improved to 5-4 with the win.
The Raiders and Eagles swapped leads throughout regulation. Determined Leslie County was able to edge McCreary Central thanks in part to free throw shooting.
McCreary Central shot 48.9 percent (22-of-45) from the field. The Raiders were 6-of-14 (42.9 percent) from 3-point range.
McCreary Central shot 47.6 percent (10-of-21) from the free throw line.
Nick Longmire led McCreary Central with 23 points. Longmire, a junior guard, hit four of the Raiders’ six 3-point field goals.
Derrick Paige added 18 points and fellow senior Hunter Jones contributed 10 points as three McCreary Central players reached double figures in the scoring column.
Devin Strunk (five points), TJ Privett (two points) and Brandon Troxell (two points) provided additional scoring for the Raiders in the heartbreaking loss to Leslie County, team from the 14th Region.
Strunk led the Raiders inside, grabbing a team-high six rebounds.
Longtime rivals, McCreary Central and Leslie County aren’t scheduled to meet again during the current campaign.