LOG MOUNTAIN — Lynn Camp coach Tyler Wagner had hopes of his team pulling a win over Owsley County during Wednesday’s Redmond Auto Group Holiday Classic, but his Wildcats came up short.
Lynn Camp fell to 2-6 after dropping a 52-49 decision to the Owls.
“We came out in the first half and we didn’t execute well on defense,” Wagner said. “We allowed drives to happen and Owsley was able to hit open shots. Our offense was better tonight. I was very pleased with the way we took care of it even though we didn’t have Ian Agosto tonight. I think Caleb Woods, Tate Mills, and Ethan Burd really helped carry the load.”
Wagner’s squad hung tough throughout the matchup, and had plenty of opportunities to get the win, but couldn’t come up with the big basket.
Owsley County led 13-12 at the end of the first quarter, and 28-23 at halftime.
Lynn Camp cut its deficit to 37-35 entering the fourth quarter after outscoring the Owls, 12-9, in the third frame. Taylor Woods, and Tate Mills each scored three points apiece during the period, helping the Wildcats remain within striking distance.
Mills added 11 more points in the fourth quarter, but Owsley County outscored Lynn Camp, 15-14, in the final eight minutes to get the win.
Mills led Lynn Camp with 18 points while Woods finished with 13 points.
“In the second half, we came out and played better defense,” Wagner said. “We got into our spots and were able to make some plays on the ball. That led to us being able to execute more on the offensive end and our defense translated in the second half.
“I’m proud of our team,” he added. “We had a shot to win it in the end, and we competed all night. For anyone that may be looking negatively at stats, and the scores of our games. I encourage you to come watch these kids. They are getting better every game and they are competing. That’s all a coach can ask for. But the good thing about Christmas break is it’s basketball all of the time. Now we just get to go to sleep tonight and wake up and do it all over again.”
