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Montana Harris led Helena with 10 points in a loss to Mortimer Jordan on Thursday, Jan. 3. (Reporter Photos/Keith McCoy)

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – With the start of the new year, it’s only the beginning for high school basketball teams in the county as teams like Helena will be gearing up for area play the week of Jan. 7.

However, before area play begins, Helena opened the new year on Thursday, Jan. 3 against Mortimer Jordan in one final tune-up where they lost a tough 34-31 battle with the Blue Devils.

Helena trailed the majority of the game which including a six-point deficit at halftime, as well as trailing 24-20 at the end of the third quarter.

Despite the struggles offensively, Helena managed to fight its way back in the final minutes trailing 34-28 with two minutes left.

Down by six, Helena’s Chloe Van Kovering hit a 3-pointer with 36 seconds left to pull the Huskies to within three making it 34-31.

After calling a timeout, Mortimer Jordan inbounded the ball but turned it over on the other end of the floor, leaving a chance for Helena to tie the game in the final seconds.

With three seconds left and no timeouts, Helena attempted to inbound the ball near midcourt for a chance at a game tying three but the Blue Devils stole the ball and dribbled it out as time expired.

Despite falling short, Helena was led in scoring by Montana Harris who finished with 10 points, while Autumn Edmonds added eight points and Kovering chipped in with seven points.

With the loss, Helena moved to 8-5 on the season as they will now open area play at home against Calera on Jan. 8, followed by a game at home against rival Pelham on Jan. 10.

To view or purchase photos, visit Shelbycountyphotos.com.

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