Harlan County coach Anthony Nolan admitted after a win Monday over Barbourville that he was concerned how his Lady Bears would handle playing on back-to-back nights with a trip to Whitley County on Tuesday.
As it turned out, the Lady Bears responded just fine to the challenge, racing to a 20-9 lead after one quarter on the way to a 63-42 win Tuesday at Whitley County. The win was the third straight for the Lady Bears, who improved to 4-1.
Junior point guard Ella Karst led HCHS, hitting seven of 10 shots in a 22-point effort. Senior guard Taytum Griffin hit three 3-pointers and scored 17. Jaylin Smith added 10 points.
The 1-3 Lady Colonels were led by Jonna Rice with 10 points.
Karst had nine points in the first quarter to ignite the Lady Bears’ fast start. Smith added two baskets.
Griffin took over in the second quarter with 10 of Harlan County’s 17 points as the lead grew to 37-22 by halftime.
Karst and Griffin had five points each in the third quarter as the Lady Bears outscored Whitley 15-8 and took a 52-30 lead into the final period.
The Lady Bears played without senior center Taylor Lunsford, who suffered an injury in the win over Barbourville on Monday.
Harlan County returns to action Friday at Leslie County. Whitley County plays host to McCreary Central on Saturday.
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Whitley County won 29-24 in junior varsity action as Sawyers scored eight and Evans added six.
Cheyenne Rhymer led the Lady Bears with eight points. Whitley Teague scored seven. Peyton Lunsford added four. Addi Gray contributed three. Lacey Robinson and Lauren Lewis added one each.
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Harlan County (63) — Ella Karst 22, Hailey Austin 6 Taytum Griffin 17, Jaylin Smith 10, Paige Phillips 4, Kylie Jones 1, Faith Hoskins 3.
Whitley County (42) — Katlyn Collier 4, Marissa Douglas 2, Jonna Rice 10, Jaclynn Brackett 2, Alba Castillo-Lopez 6, Michaela Barton 3, Maddie Richardson 6, Amber Brown 2, Autumn Sawyers 3, Makayla Frazier 2, Khlyea Collier 2.