By Patrick Ledington
MANCHESTER — In the opening game of the Bobby Keith Classic, the Knox Central Panthers squared off against former 13th Region opponent Rockcastle County in a physical, foul-filled battle from the opening tip.
The Panthers did just enough to grab a 70-62 win.
Knox Central was more than ready for the grind-it-out style of play. Three-pointers from Evan Hubbard and Evan Taylor helped the Panthers jump out front, taking a 13-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Panthers’ offense found another gear in the second quarter. Hubbard knocked down two more triples and sophomore Trevor Smith poured in eight points in the period. Despite Rockcastle County hitting five three-pointers in the quarter, Knox Central carried a 33-29 advantage into halftime.
Head coach Tony Patterson brought his team out of the locker room with a renewed defensive focus. The Panthers held the Rockets to just 12 points in the third quarter, while Knox Central’s offense created separation by scoring 22 points in the frame to take a commanding 55-41 lead.
Rockcastle County battled back in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to a two-possession game on multiple occasions. Knox Central, however, controlled the tempo down the stretch and executed late-game situations well, draining the clock and going 6-of-8 from the free-throw line in the final period.
Sophomore Evan Hubbard led Knox Central with 20 points. Trevor Smith added 17, while Luke Olmstead finished with 10 for the Panthers.
