After an ugly loss a night earlier against Pineville, the Harlan County Lady Bears showed improvement against one of the 14th Region’s top teams before falling 54-45 to Letcher Central on Saturday in the final day of play at the Chain Rock Classic.
The Lady Bears trailed by eight going into the fourth quarter and got as close as three after a basket by Reagan Clem and free throw from Jaycee Simpson before Letcher pulled away for the win.
Allie Bailey scored 16 points to lead the 10-3 Lady Cougars.
Harlan County was led by Clem, Taylynn Napier and Raegan Landa, all middle school players, with nine points each.
The 3-9 Lady Bears return to action Thursday at Harlan.
———
Letcher Central (54) — Emma Pavlik 6, Scarlett Stamper 5, Allie Bailey 16, Paige Damron 9, Kara Holcomb 7, Jaleigh Wright 5, Kaylee Baker 2, Kennedy Anderson 2, Anna Hatton 2.
Harlan County (45) — Reagan Clem 9, Kylee Runions, 5, Jaylee Cochran 7, Raegan Landa 9, Taylynn Napier 9, Jacey Simpson 6.