The Middlesboro Lady Jackets’ middle school basketball team won the opening game of their district tournament on Tuesday night, defeating the Barbourville Lady Tigers 41-19. Emrey Glover lead the way for Middlesboro with 19 points. She was followed by Brynlee Foster with 14 and Keevie Betts with eight.

“This game was bittersweet,” said Middlesboro coach Beth Evans. “It was 8th-grade night for us and every single one of our 8th graders played great. They really stepped up and got the job done. We were able to get a lead early and never lost it. I love to watch them play together like they did during this game. We always try to emphasize that there is a direct relationship between a team’s success and the ability to pass the ball.”

“Throughout the game we were very successful because we played unselfish and made some great passes,” said Evans. “We play our best basketball when we run the floor and move the ball. During this game, I thought we did both. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Middlesboro jumped out to a quick lead over the Lady Tigers and never looked back. Outscoring Barbourville 16-5 in the first quarter and 27-9 in the first half, the Lady Jackets had the game in hand by halftime. Middlesboro outscored Barbourville 14-6 in the third quarter before calling their offense off.

The Lady Tigers outscored the Lady Jackets 4-0 in the closing frame of the game, allowing Middlesboro to secure a 22-point victory in the opening round of their district tournament.

With the win, Middlesboro moves on to face the Williamsburg Lady Jackets. As the one-seed in the tournament, Middlesboro will host Williamsburg at home on Thursday night.