HARLAN — Brad Sizemore’s Bell County Bobcats remained red-hot on Thursday during their 63-58 win over Whitley County in first round action of the Kentucky 2A, Section 7 Tournament.
The Bobcats built a 20-15 lead in the first quarter and held a 33-19 advantage at halftime.
Bell County’s lead grew to 50-34 entering the fourth quarter before the Colonels began to rally
Whitley County outscored the Bobcats, 24-13, in the final eight minutes but couldn’t pick up the win.
“Whitley County played us really hard for four quarters,” Sizemore said. “We were fortunate to come out with the win.
“We played OK at different spots in the game but overall we came out flat,” he added. “We are happy we got the win and are able to advance to the next round of the tournament. I expect our guys to be ready to go in the finals and play much better.”
Jaxon Thomas led the Bobcats (12-3), who have now won nine in a row, with 16 points while Blake Burnett had 15 points, and Cameron Hall chipped in 14 points. Ethan Buell added nine points while Braxton Ferguson (five points), and Cayden Huff (four points) followed.
Whitley County (11-3) was led by Bryson Mahan’s 18 points while Riley Fuson scored 11 points, and Aaron Rowe (10 points), Levi Jackson (10 points), and Garrett Sharp (nine points) followed.
“Tough one for us,” Whitley County coach Rric Swords said. “We didn’t value the ball enough in the first half. Bell has a good team and Brad does good job with them. We got a chance to be really good.
“To win these type of games going forward we got to be able to execute at a higher level,” he added. “I love our team and we will continue to get better as we start district play.”
