SPARTANBURG, S.C. | The Young Harris College Mountain Lions are heading to the Conference Carolinas Championship game for the first time in program history after a thrilling 71-68 semifinal victory over Emmanuel Saturday afternoon at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium.

Young Harris improves to 21-8 overall and completes a season sweep of the Lions, finishing 3-0 against Emmanuel this year in the Roar War rivalry.

Despite leading for less than three minutes the entire game, the Mountain Lions delivered when it mattered most. Emmanuel jumped out early and built a 23-9 lead midway through the first half before Young Harris battled back to cut the deficit to 39-34 at halftime.

The Mountain Lions continued to chip away in the second half and finally tied the game at 52 midway through the period. After Emmanuel briefly reclaimed the lead, Young Harris responded with a six-point run to move ahead 64-63 with four minutes remaining.

Emmanuel answered with a three-pointer from Sam Thacker, but Conference Carolinas Player of the Year Carl Cleveland tipped in a rebound to give Young Harris a 67-66 lead with 1:33 remaining. The game was tied again at 68 in the final minute before Justin Payne calmly knocked down a free throw with 26 seconds left to put the Mountain Lions ahead. Moments later, Young Harris converted a layup off a missed shot to extend the lead to 71-68 with 11 seconds remaining. Emmanuel's final attempt missed, sealing the historic semifinal win.

Justin Payne earned Player of the Game honors, leading the Mountain Lions with 22 points. Payne attacked the basket all afternoon, going seven-for-22 from the field and seven-for-10 from the free throw line while pulling down six rebounds.

Carl Cleveland delivered another dominant performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, while Cameron Bleshoy controlled the glass with nine rebounds to go along with nine points.

Christian Drummer provided a huge lift off the bench, scoring 14 points and hitting six-of-seven free throws.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Justin Payne led Young Harris with 22 points and six rebounds.

• Carl Cleveland recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

• Christian Drummer added 14 points off the bench.

• Cameron Bleshoy finished with nine points and nine rebounds.

• Young Harris scored 19 second-chance points and 38 points in the paint.

UP NEXT:

The Mountain Lions will face Chowan in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship game Sunday (Mar. 8) at 1:00 p.m. in Spartanburg.