With five losses in their last seven games, including back-to-back district defeats in the last week, the Harlan County Lady Bears were in desperate need of something positive.
They found it Friday, overcoming a three-minute scoring drought to start the game before their defense took over on the way to a 69-44 win over visiting Harlan. The Lady Bears evened their record at 9-9 overall and improved to 1-2 in district action.
“We’ve been going through a slump shooting the ball,” Harlan County coach Gary Greer said. “Tonight we were able to turn them over and get some quick baskets. We also ran our halfcourt offense better. We were able to get downhill several times. It’s good to get a district win and get back on track.
“You don’t know what to expect sometimes in a rivalry game like this, but Harlan played hard and competed.”
Harlan played without sophomore point guard Peyshaunce Wynn, who is battling an ankle injury. The Lady Dragons struggled against pressure with 25 turnovers.
“We have to put girls in positions they aren’t necessarily used to. I think our girls are going hard, but playing without our point guard is difficult,” Harlan coach Mackenzie Varner said. “The outcome wasn’t what we wanted, but there were some bright moments throughout. Addison (Campbell) played really hard, which I’m very proud of. We definitely learned a lot from this game and are ready to make adjustments.”
Campbell scored 17 to lead the 5-13 Lady Dragons, who fell to 0-4 in district action. Cheyenne Rhymer added 10 points.
Freshman guard Jaycee Simpson again led the HCHS offense with 19 points, but got plenty of help as Jaylee Cochran and Reagan Clem added 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Lady Bears improved to 9-9 overall and 1-2 in district action.
“Harlan made us work, but I’m tickled to death with my kids,” Greer said.
The Lady Bears also received a huge lift off the bench from freshman forward Raegan Landa, who scored nine points and pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds.
“I thought Raegan dominated the boards,” Greer said. “She got us started in the third quarter. She got us several rebounds that led to baskets. I’m really happy with her. I tell her she is as talented as anyone, but she has to play with confidence.”
After their slow start, the Lady Bears reeled off 11 unanswered points to build a 15-5 lead after one quarter. Harlan missed 12 of 14 shots in the quarter and turned the ball over seven times.
The Lady Bears extended their lead to 16 as Simpson and Cochran each hit 3s and Landa converted a three-point play. Harlan County went cold again at that point as Campbell sparked a 13-2 run to cut the deficit to 28-23 at halftime.
Landa took over in the third quarter with five rebounds and two baskets as HC extended its lead to 51-36. Harlan hit only two of seven shots in the period and turned the ball over seven times.
Harlan plays host to Middlesboro on Tuesday in a district doubleheader. Harlan County will be at home against Clay County on Tuesday.