CORBIN — Tucker Hale recorded a hat trick while Noah Rector accounted for five points as Whitley County powered its way into the Kentucky 2A, Section 7 Tournament championship game with an 8-1 semifinal victory over Harlan County.
Hale finished with three goals and two assists while Rector scored twice and dished out three assists to lead a potent Colonel attack.
Tootie Mahan added two goals and an assist, while Brayden Hale also found the back of the net. Larriuce Felipe and Skyler Mahan each contributed an assist.
Rector opened the scoring for Whitley County, helping the Colonels build momentum on their way to a 5-1 halftime advantage.
Whitley County didn’t let up after the break, adding three more goals while holding Harlan County scoreless in the second half to secure its spot in the championship game.
“Coming into it, we didn’t want to overlook Harlan County. They are always physical and play hard,” Whitley County coach Michael Branham said. “I’m proud of our guys. Once Noah Rector opened up the scoring, we gained momentum. Up 5-1 at the half, we kept the intensity in the second half and added three more goals. We have to recover quickly and be ready for the championship tomorrow night.”
