Story by Patrick Ledington
BARBOURVILLE — Pineville weathered a slow start and a late Barbourville surge before taking control in overtime to secure a 67-59 win over the Tigers in the second game of the 51st District Boys’ Tournament.
The Mountain Lions struggled offensively in the opening quarter, managing just nine points as Barbourville connected on three early three-pointers to grab a 15-9 lead after one. Pineville began to find its rhythm in the second quarter behind the guard play of Preston Zachery and Anderson Gentry, scoring 17 points in the period but still trailing narrowly, 27-26, at halftime.
Pineville continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, with Brody Hatmaker doing work inside and going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. However, Barbourville answered each run and maintained a slim 36-34 advantage heading into the fourth.
The Tigers briefly extended their lead early in the final period, but Pineville responded when Noah Sloan buried two clutch three-pointers to swing momentum back to the Mountain Lions. With just under a minute remaining, Zachery tied the game with back-to-back layups, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Pineville put the ball in Zachery’s hands and let him take over. Zachery scored nine of his game-high 20 points in overtime, sealing the Mountain Lions’ 67-59 victory.
Noah Sloan added 15 points for Pineville, while Jacob Grubb chipped in 12. With the win, Pineville advances to face Knox Central in Friday’s district championship game.
