Middleton's 30 points lead Royals past Harrison 63-59

Russ Middleton scored a career-high 30 points (16 in the fourth quarter) to lead the Mason County Royals to a 63-59 win over Harrison High School of Kennesaw, Ga. today in the 19th Annual Daytona Beach Sunshine Classic. Mason County was 1-of-15 from the field in the first quarter and trailed 15-2. The Royals opened the second quarter on a 15-0 run. There were three ties and 12 lead changes in the game. Harrison led by 44-38 after three quarters. Middleton took over in the final period. He was 4-of-5 from the free throw line and 5-of-7 from the field in the final eight minutes. Middleton moved past Mike Corde and Timmy Myrick into eighth place on the Royals' all-time scoring list. Mason County outrebounded Harrison 40-30 including 18-4 on the offensive end. Phil Barner had a game-high 13 rebounds. Mason County plays United Faith Christian Academy of Charlotte, NC in the upper bracket semifinal game Monday at noon.

MC FG 35.7% 3 PT FG 25% FT 60% REB 40 TO 16

H FG 47.6% 3 PT FG 38.9% FT 70.6% REB 30 TO 20

MC (5-2) Middleton 30, Downing 7, Barner 5, Pawsat 4, Setty 11, Hamm 3, J. Lang 3

H (4-6) Martin 25, McKnight 6, Jackson 6, Belli 14, Watson 2, Adams 4, Harrison 2

MC 02 21 15 25-63

H 15 07 22 15-59

Photo credit: Erica Weddle