Shooting a frigid 17 percent (four of 24), the Harlan County Lady Bears found themselves down 28-10 at halftime Tuesday against visiting Owsley County.
The deficit grew to 19 early in the third quarter before the Lady Bears began to fight back, closing the deficit to five going into the final period and then finishing the comeback in the closing minutes for a 55-49 victory.
“When you miss shots, it makes it more complicated. We were playing on our heels, and they were the aggressor,” Harlan County coach Anthony Nolan said. “It’s a hard lesson learned. The kids were more coachable and played with more effort. The shots were short the entire first half because we were on our heels.
“They made a good run early and our kids lacked that fight, but I’ve never been more proud of the second-half effort. They executed like I asked from the first possession. They also did a much better job of closing out on shooters.”
Ella Karst scored 21 to lead the 21-7 Lady Bears, taking over in the third quarter after being limited to only one basket in the first half. Karst hit six of seven shots in the period.
“We need Ella and she wasn’t in a rhythm the first half,” Nolan said. “She asserted herself the second half. All the kids respond off her energy. She’s a leader.”
Taytum Griffin and Hailey Austin added 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the 21-7 Lady Bears. Griffin was clutch late as she hit the 3-point that put the Lady Bears ahead to stay with 3:40 left, then hit seven of eight free throws to lock up the win..
“They all executed their roles the second half like they are supposed to,” Nolan said. “Taytum has really stepped up lately. Hailey also had some big plays.”
Addison Terry scored 20 points and Carly Smith added 13 for the 20-7 Lady Owls.
Harlan County will close its regular-season schedule Friday at Southwestern. Owsley County will be at home against North Laurel on Thursday.