Getting a huge lift from their bench, Middlesboro (8-6) advanced to the semifinals of the 13th Region All “A” Classic with a rout of Red Bird (6-6) on Saturday in Pineville. Middlesboro’s bench play was phenomenal, outscoring the Red Bird bench 30-5 throughout the game.

Middlesboro had a season-high 20 turnovers, but also scored a season-high 86 points. Middlesboro had 12 players in the scoring column, which was also a season-high.

“It was a fast-paced game,” said Middlesboro coach Lewis Morris. “We had some guys come in off the bench and play well for us. I liked the effort and the intensity we had. We have to clean up some of the sloppy play that we had. We have to limit our turnovers and do a better job of taking care of the ball.

“I think we did a great job of sharing the ball and getting guys involved in the offense. I’m proud of the team and the job we did today.”

Middlesboro got off to a great start in the first quarter. With six players scoring buckets, the Jackets outscored the Cardinals 16-13 in the first period of the game. The Yellow Jacket defense completely dominated the Cardinal offense in the second quarter, limiting Red Bird to seven total points while scoring 20 of their own. Middlesboro took a 36-20 lead into the locker room despite having nine turnovers at intermission.

Senior guard Josh Overbay led Middlesboro with 15 points, including four 3-pointers in the third quarter as the Jackets blew the game open by outscoring the Cardinals 29-20 after leading by 16 at halftime. Senior center Mykel Griffin added 14 points. Junior guard Trey Brock scored 13. Christian Hubbard and Jabari Kyle added 10 each.

The Yellow Jackets took a commanding 65-40 lead into the final period of the game. Middlesboro’s offense remained balanced throughout the remainder of the game with seven players scoring baskets for the Jackets in the final quarter. Middlesboro went on to outscore Red Bird 21-15 in the fourth to post a 31-point victory.

Dalton Finley, a junior guard, led Red Bird with 22 points. Daegon Finley and Max Kitoko added 10 points each.

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Middlesboro (86) — Christian Hubbard 10, Trey Brock 13, Jabari Kyle 10, Scott Overbay 9, Mykel Griffin 14, Josh Overbay 15, Jordan Davis 5, T.J. Patterson 1, Steven Poore 2, Caleb Bagonko 4, Ethan Barton 1, Jay West 2.

Red Bird (55) — David Collett 3, Dalton Finley 22, Daegon Finley 10, Max Kitoko 10, Austin Napier 5, Jagger Wilson 3, Bryce Helton 1, Bryan Mama 1.