After spending the past couple of days working on ways to slow down Harlan star Kyler McLendon, Bell County coach Brad Sizemore had to make some adjustments on the run when McLendon and fellow starter Nate Montanaro walked out on the court in street clothes 20 minutes before tipoff on Tuesday at Harlan.
“When we walked out for warmups and saw two of their starters weren’t dressed out I think it messed with us a little. I’ve had that happen in the past where you game plan for a big game and then all of the sudden you have to switch what you’re going to do,” Sizemore said after the Bobcats’ 77-50 win. “It thought our kids responded and played a good first and third quarters. You have to give Harlan credit because they never quit. They made some tough shots. It’s a tough environment over here, so we’ll take a win any way we can get it. I was very pleased with how they played.”
Bell wasted no time taking control, building an 18-3 lead five minutes into the game as the Dragons had trouble against the Bobcats’ pressure. Cameron Hall had five early baskets, and Jaxson Thomas hit two 3s as Bell took a 25-11 lead after one quarter.
“Kyler’s usage is pretty high, so some other guys were forced to do some things tonight they haven’t had to do all season,” Harlan coach Derrick Akal said. “It was an opportunity for some guys to see how it feels to handle the ball and some other things. They never quit, and I’m super proud of them for that. That’s what we expect. When you play one of the best teams in our region, it’s going to be tough to compete when you aren’t fully loaded.”
Akal said McLendon missed the game due to strep throat. Montanaro suffered an ankle injury in a win Friday at Middlesboro.
Harlan recovered in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 11 by halftime after outscoring the Bobcats 14-11 in the period. Jared Moore’s 3 to start the second half cut the deficit to eight before Blake Burnett took over by hitting five straight shots, including four 3-pointers as the Bobcats outscored Harlan 22-13 in the period to reclaim control.
“He got hot in the third quarter. We talked about that in these types of games someone has to step up and make shots,” Sizemore said. “He got us going. This was a huge win because it’s a district game.”
Burnett scored 24 points and Hall added 20 for the Bobcats, who improved to 19-4 overall and 2-2 in district action. Thomas chipped in with 13 points.
The 6-14 Dragons, who fell to 2-2 in district action, were led by Trent Cole with 16 points.
Harlan County clinched the district’s top seed with Harlan’s loss.
Harlan plays host to Harlan County on Friday in a girls/boys doubleheader. Bell County travels to Middlesboro on Friday.