HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – No. 4 Harlan County had to scratch and claw against Knott Co. Central in the first round of the 38th annual WYMT Food City Mountain Basketball Classic on Monday, Dec. 9.
The Patriots gut-punched the Black Bears early and held Harlan County’s leading scorer, Maddox Huff, to five first-half points.
However, Harlan County was able to hold on to a two-point lead at the halftime break because of the stellar play from players throughout the bench.
Harlan County’s Reggie Cottrell scored a game-high 27 points.
Huff found his rhythm in the second half, in which he scored 17 of his 22 points.
Knott Central kept it competitive, but ultimately could not prevent a hard-fought 68-53 win for the Black Bears.
Head coach Kyle Jones and the Black Bears will face his brother Michael Jones and the Clay County Tigers for the first time since the 13th Region final in the boys semifinals on Friday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Knott County Central will face Perry County Central in the consolation game on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 5:00 p.m.
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