The Pineville Lady Lions broke open a close game at the half with Barbourville to win comfortably 65-31 in the opening round of the girls’ 51st District Tournament on Monday at Lynn Camp.
The Lady Lions led 29-17 at the half but came out in the second half blazing hot from the field in the third quarter, outscoring the Lady Tigers 36-13 en route to their 34-point victory.
Pineville (20-8) was led by star guard Nadine Johnson’s 18 points. Guard Malley Smith had a huge outing for the Lions, pouring in 17 points. Guard Ava Arnett had a nice night as well, scoring 13. Junior guard Kamryn Biliter and sophomore forward Rachel Howard added six points respectively.
Layla Brock led Barbourville (15-15) with 12 points. Sara Smith scored 11.
Pineville led after one quarter 16-12 and increased its lead to 29-17 at the half. On the strength of a 22-6 third stanza, the Lions lead ballooned to 51-23. Pineville closed the game by winning the fourth quarter 14-7.
The Lady Lions will meet Knox Central for the district title Thursday night at 7. Knox Central advanced with a 62-29 rout of Lynn Camp.
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Pineville (65) — Nadine Johnson 18, Ava Arnett 13, Rachel Howard 6, Malley Smith 17, Kamryn Biliter 6, Baleigh Bargo 3, Clara Strange 1.
Barbourville (31) — Sarah Smith 11, Danni Jordan 2, Layla Brock 12, Marleigh Martin 3, Bre Engle 2.
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Barbourville 12 5 6 7 — 31
Pineville 16 13 22 14 — 65