LEXINGTON — Even though standout sophomore guard Jordan Akal had another big game, the Harlan Green Dragons found an offensive balance they have lacked for most of the summer in rolling past Wolfe County 82-60 on Friday in their opening game at the KBC state tournament in Lexington.

Akal finished with 35 points to lead the Dragons, but he was far from a one-man show on this night as Jaedyn Gist scored 18 points, Charles David Morton tossed in 15 and Jon Eldridge added 12. Kaleb McLendon rounded out the scoring with two points.

Gist helped Harlan get off to a good start with four early baskets. Wolfe rallied to get within three when Morton provided a spark off the bench. The senior guard hit two straight 3-pointers to push the lead to 25-16, then added a third for a 30-18 lead before closing with two more and a 42-27 lead. Wolfe cut the deficit to 11 by halftime with a 4-0 run.

Akal took over in the second half, adding three 3-pointers to the two he hit in the first half. He scored 23 points in the second half as the Dragons pulled away for the blowout win.

Harlan (6-9) will conclude pool play on Saturday, playing Scott County at 12:10 p.m. and Woodford County at 2:20 p.m. Tournament will play will begin Saturday evening and conclude on Sunday at the Kentucky Basketball Commission.