Tuesday, February 12, 2013 11:26 am

By TONY STINNETT/ Courier Sports Editor

CARTHAGE - Cannon County has played its best basketball down the stetch and the Lions will head into the postseason on a high note following their 71-61 win at Smith County Friday (Feb. 8).

The Lions produced one of their highest-scoring games of the season, and they had to as the Owls connected for eight 3-pointers.

Cannon County (12-15, 6-6) earned the No. 4 seed for the District 8-AA Tournament and will play No. 5 York in a first-round game at Cookeville High School Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Cory Henley had one of his best shooting nights of the season and continued his torrid pace down the stretch. Henley led the Lions with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. Henley also pulled six rebounds.

The Lions had four players in double figures. Jarrett Melton finished with 16 points and was 5-of-6 from the free-throw line down the stretch to seal the win. Tommy Mitchell had one of his best games of the season with 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting, and Tanner Larson finished with 11 points and five rebounds.

The Lions shot 50 percent (25-of-50) and connected for six 3-pointers. Cannon County was 15-of-18 from the free-throw line as the Lions continued their strong play down the stretch.