PINEVILLE — The Bell County Bobcats continued their strong start to the season with a 70-38 victory over Middlesboro on Friday night, improving to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in district play.
Middlesboro fell to 3-2 on the season and 0-1 against district competition.
Bell County set the tone early, building a 24-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter before blowing the game open in the second. The Bobcats surged to a commanding 55-25 halftime lead and never looked back, leading 67-33 at the end of the third quarter.
Jaxon Thomas sparked the early run for Bell County, knocking down five 3-pointers in the game, including four in the opening quarter, to finish with 15 points. Ethan Buell took over in the second quarter, scoring 15 of his game-high 17 points during the period. Blake Burnett added 12 points, while Braxton Ferguson chipped in nine.
Joseph Killion led Middlesboro with nine points.
Bell County coach Brad Sizemore was pleased with his team’s effort on both ends of the floor.
“Our kids came out with a lot Energy tonight,” he said. “I thought our press was really good and rebounded the ball on both ends. It’s always good to get another district win and especially against year crosstown rival. We will have to get refocused tomorrow and get ready for a tough Wayne county team.”
