WILLIAMSBURG — Friday’s matchup between Bell County and Whitley County featured two teams that wanted to gain momentum into postseason play.
The Bobcats were coming off a loss to South Laurel just a day before while the Colonels were trying to avoid entering next week’s 50th District Tournament losing two of their last three games.
Brad Sizemore’s Bobcats did just enough to pull out a 72-61 win, finishing regular season play with a 23-5 mark while the Colonels fell to 19-10.
“I thought our guys had a really good first half,” Bell County coach Brad Sizemore said. “We executed well and then got in foul trouble in the third quarter and Whitley County made a big run. You got to give them and their coaches credit they never quit. They really put a lot of pressure on us and had a big comeback but our guys responded in the fourth-quarter made some big place down the stretch and never quiet. I’m just happy we were able to get a good win against a quality opponent on the road in a tough environment.”
Bell County built a 24-12 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 39-24 at halftime.
The Colonels rallied in the third quarter, cutting their deficit to 50-46 before the Bobcats outscored them, 22-15, in the fourth quarter.
“Kids played really hard, especially in the second half,” Whitley County coach Eric Swords said. “Gave ourselves a chance to win but couldn’t come up with the plays needed down the stretch. But we can build on the effort and get things lined out for the district tournament. Bell County has a great team and staff. They will be a tough out for anyone come tourney time.”
Ethan Buell led Bell County with 25 points while Jaxon Thomas followed with 13 points. Cayden Huff and Blake Burnett finished with 11 points apiece.
Riley Fuson led Whitley County with 17 points while Bryson Mahan added 16 points, and Levi Jackson finished with 12 points.
