Harlan County broke into the win column for the first time this season by putting together its best defensive effort of the season. The Lady Bears limited visiting Barbourville to single digits in all four quarters on the way to a 67-30 victory on Friday.
Senior guard Ella Karst again carried the HCHS offense with 33 points, including 10 in the first quarter as the Lady Bears took a 16-8 lead.
Karst and Reagan Clem each hit 3-pointers in the second quarter as the lead grew to 28-16 at halftime.
Karst had nine points and Paige Phillips added five as HCHS outscored Barbourville 16-9 in the third quarter to build a 44-25 lead.
Harlan County returns to action Tuesday in a 6 p.m. game at Lynn Camp. The 3-2 Lady Tigers travel to Knox Central on Tuesday.
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The Harlan County junior varsity team ran its record to 5-0 with a 55-29 win over Barbourville.
Eighth-grade guard Kylee Runions led the Lady Bears with 17 points. Jaycee Simpson added nine points and was followed by Reagan Clem with seven, Jaylee Cochran and Maddi Middleton with six each, Macy Jones with four, Whitney Noe with three, Allie Adams with two and Lacey Robinson with one.
Bre Engle scored seven and Marleigh Martin added six to lead Barbourville.
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Harlan County (67) — Paige Phillips 6, Faith Hoskins 5, Whitley Teague 8, Ella Karst 33, Reagan Clem 6, Cheyenne Rhymer 6, Jaycee Simpson 3.
Barbourville (30) — Sarah Smith 6, Lauren Smith 6, Emilee Sizemore 2, Dani Jordan 3, Allison Love 3, Jacey Brock 5, Marleigh Martin 2, Sadie Hoffman 3.

Barbourville 8 8 9 5 — 30
Harlan County 16 12 16 23 — 67