By Patrick Ledington
Staff Writer
BARBOURVILLE — The weather outside was cold, but inside the gym at Knox Central, the atmosphere was electric as two of the 13th Region’s top contenders squared off in a showdown that did not disappoint.
The game was back and forth from start to finish. Knox Central held a slim 17-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter before Corbin answered in the second behind tough defense and strong post play from Aubree Clemens and Lynlee Pietrowski. The teams went into the locker room at halftime tied at 32.
Knox Central junior Shelbie Mills caught fire in the second half, knocking down three of her six three-point attempts. Combined with additional triples from Kylie Smith and Shelbi Smith, the surge was enough to propel the Lady Panthers to a 74-66 victory.
Mills led all scorers with 34 points, while Mackenzie Hensley added 15. Kylie Smith finished with 11 points, Kaylynn Smith scored eight, and Shelbi Smith chipped in six to round out the scoring for Knox Central, which improves to 3-1 on the season. The Lady Panthers return to action Monday night (December 16) against Barbourville.
Corbin falls to 4-1 on the year but will look ahead to hosting the Redhound Christmas Bash later this week. The Lady Redhounds were led by Aubree Clemens with 20 points and Lydia King with 17.
