By:JUSTIN HOWARD /THE SOURCE 

MIDDLESBORO, KY—The Middlesboro High School boys basketball team put forth a determined effort in their latest contest, showcasing flashes of strong shooting and hustle. Despite their resilience, the Yellow Jackets fell short as they continue to develop their young roster.

Senior Garrison Warren (#22) led the team in scoring with 11 points, proving to be the most efficient shooter on the court. Warren knocked down two three-pointers on three attempts (66.7%) while also contributing a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. His leadership and ability to convert from beyond the arc kept Middlesboro competitive.

Joseph Killion (#5), a junior, added eight points, showing his versatility by scoring from both inside and outside the arc. He made two two-point field goals and one from deep, though his field goal percentage (25.0%) suggests room for improvement in shot selection.

Sophomore Bryson Brooks (#1) and freshman Jacob Tinnell (#11) each chipped in five points, with Brooks shooting a solid 40% from the field. Tinnell was aggressive offensively, taking eight shot attempts, but struggled with efficiency.

As a team, Middlesboro had difficulty finding their rhythm offensively, particularly inside the arc. The Yellow Jackets combined for 9-of-42 from the field, a 21.4% shooting percentage, which hindered their ability to keep pace with their opponent.

From three-point range, the team showed promise, shooting 4-of-12 (33.3%), with Young, Warren, and Brooks all contributing from deep. Mekhi Young (#2) was the most efficient from long range, going 1-for-1 from three (100%), though he was 0-for-3 from two-point range.

One area that hurt the Yellow Jackets was their performance at the free-throw line. Middlesboro attempted only eight free throws and made four (50%), missing key opportunities to close the scoring gap.

Despite the loss, Middlesboro's young roster continues to gain valuable experience. With freshmen and sophomores playing key roles, the team has potential to improve throughout the season. The development of players like Tinnell, Brooks, and eighth-grader Emmitt Butler (#21) will be crucial as the team looks to build a strong foundation for the future.

Middlesboro will aim to bounce back in their next matchup, focusing on improving their field goal efficiency and free-throw shooting. With continued growth and contributions from their upperclassmen, the Yellow Jackets remain determined to turn effort into victories.

Stay tuned for more coverage on Middlesboro High School athletics as The Source continues to roll out.