Despite a late comeback by Scott County, the Redskins held on for a key 58-54 District 4(2A) win Thursday night in Loudon.  Loudon led by as much as 11 late in the third period, but let the Highlander close to within two with 23 seconds left.

Both teams matched up even for the most part in the first period as Scott County held an 11-9 advantage headed to the second.
After falling down by four, David Lee Haskins scored back to back field goals to tie the game at 13. The Highlanders scored again before Haskins nailed a three and Zac Strange hit a runner down the lane to put the Redskins up for good at 18-15 with 5:30 to go in the half.

From there, the home team outscored the visitors 10-5 to lead 28-20 at the break. The Redskins started the third period with a layup by Josh Berry and a three pointer from the corner by Hayden Grimes to grab their biggest lead of the night at 33-20.  However, Scott County got back to back baskets before Grimes found the mark again from beyond the arc to give Loudon a 36-24 advantage. From there the Highlanders chipped away three points off the lead to trail 43-34 headed to the final period.

Scott County started the fourth with back to back threes to trim the lead down to three. But Strange scored on a drive and Haskins hit one of two free throws to put the Redskins back up 46-40.  Loudon got the lead back up to nine before Scott County went on a 7-0 run to close within two at 52-50 with 59 seconds to go. Strange then hit a reverse layup with 38.8 seconds left, but Scott answered with 23.8 to go. Gabe Hampton blocked a Highlander shot, grabbed the loose ball and was fouled with 7.5 seconds left. He made both free throws to give the Redskins a six point lead and seal the win. Scott got an uncontested lay up at the buzzer for the final total.

Haskins led all scorers with 20. Strange also hit double figures with 11. Jacob Sexton led the Highlanders with 17.
"We have to learn how to finish games. We're going to work on that the next couple of weeks before the district tournament starts," Loudon Head Coach Colt Narramore said after the game.

The Redskins hosted Lenoir City Saturday night and will next travel to Alcoa Tuesday night.  Game time is set for 8 p.m.

Information for this story provided by Sammie Dunlap