The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets got off to a slow start in their regular season finale against Lynn Camp on Friday night, falling to the visiting Wildcats 59-52.

Lynn Camp controlled the game from the tip-off to the final buzzer. Max Burd and Mason Praiter got things off to a good start for Lynn Camp, scoring six points in the first period each, outscoring Middlesboro 14-12 in the opening stanza.

The Yellow Jackets had a hard time finding any offense in the second quarter, scoring only seven points. The Wildcats played their best offensive quarter of the game in the second period, outscoring Middlesboro 18-7 to take a surprising 32-19 lead at halftime.

When play resumed in the third period, Middlesboro’s offense began to find a rhythm. Led by Mykel Griffin with six in the third period, the Jackets outscored the Wildcats 18-13, drawing Middlesboro to within striking distance, 45-34.

Middlesboro had six players in the scoring column in the final period, but were unable to take the lead. Although the Yellow Jackets outscored the Wildcats 18-14 in the period, two big three-pointers from Praiter and a few clutch free throws from Marcus Hollin allowed Lynn Camp to maintain their slim lead.

T.J. Patterson led Middlesboro with 13 points, on perfect shooting from the floor.

Middlesboro takes on Harlan County in the first round of the 52nd district tournament tonight at 6 at Bell County. Lynn Camp is in action against Barbourville tonight in the first round of the 51st district tournament in Pineville at 7.

Middlesboro (15-13) (52) — T.J. Patterson 13, Christian Hubbard 9, Mykel Griffin 8, Josh Overbay 7, Jabari Kyle 6, Trey Brock 3, Jordan Davis 2, Scott Overbay 2, Steven Poore 2.

Lynn Camp (15-13) (59) — Marcus Hollin 19, Max Burd 13, Mason Praiter 12, Matt Disney 7, Jacob Belew 6, Luke Ledington 2.