By Patrick Ledington
BARBOURVILLE — The Knox Central Lady Panthers got a dominant performance from junior Shelbie Mills, who scored 27 points, while Kaylynn Smith added 17 as the Lady Panthers rolled to a 72-24 victory over Lynn Camp in semifinal action of the 51st District Tournament.
Knox Central came out firing on all cylinders, racing to a commanding first-quarter lead. Mills knocked down four three-pointers in the opening period, while Smith controlled the paint, scoring nine of her 17 points in the quarter. The Lady Panthers’ defense was just as sharp, limiting Lynn Camp to only four points as Knox Central surged ahead 30-4 after one quarter.
The offensive onslaught continued in the second quarter, as six different Lady Panthers found the scoring column for coach Steve Warren’s squad. Lynn Camp showed some signs of life offensively, but the deficit was too much to overcome. Knox Central carried a 53-14 advantage into halftime.
In the third quarter, juniors Mills and McKenzie Hensley combined to score all of Knox Central’s points, pushing the lead to 66-24 by the end of the period.
With the outcome well in hand, Warren turned to his bench in the fourth quarter, giving younger players valuable tournament experience. The Lady Panthers’ defense capped off a strong night by holding Lynn Camp scoreless in the final period, sealing the 72-24 victory.
Mills led all scorers with 27 points. Smith finished with 17, while Kaylie Gambrel-Garrison and Hensley each added 10 for Knox Central.
