In wins over Harlan and Breathitt County over the past week, the Harlan County Black Bears were able to overcome bad starts and find a way to win.
They weren’t so lucky on Wednesday at Knott Central against one of the 14th Region’s top teams. The Bears were limited to five points in the first quarter and 15 in the first half on the way to a 68-47 loss.
Senior forward Michael Gibson was one of three Patriots in double figures with 19 points. Jadon Hall and Chance Amburgey, both seniors, added 16 and 13 points, respectively, as Knott improved to 20-7.
Junior guard Trent Cole scored 20 points and senior guard Reggie Cottrell added 12 to lead the Bears.
Cole and Cottrell had early baskets for the Bears as the game was tied 4-4 before HC went cold and didn’t record a basket over the final six minutes of the period. Knott Central took a 14-5 lead after one quarter and a 31-15 advantage as the Bears struggled to hit shots and struggled to keep the Patriots from getting open shots.
The Bears showed improvement in the second half with energy but still struggled to hit open shots as Knott extended the lead to 50-28. HCHS outscored the Patriots 19-18 in the final period as Knott avenged a loss earlier this season at Harlan County.
Harlan County (18-10) closes its regular season schedule Thursday at Knox Central.
———
Knott Central pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 45-37 win in junior varsity action as Tate Craft scored nine and Jonah Ousley added eight for the Patriots.
Hayden Grace scored 13 for the 6-8 Bears. Easton Engle, Tucker Curtis and Rydge Lewis added six each. Thyler Coots tossed in four, and Trey Creech added two.
———
Knott Central (68) — Chance Amburgey 13, Connor Napier 8, Jadon Hall 16, Gavin Mosley 6, Michael Gibson 19, Drew Little 3, Peyson Dials 3.
Harlan County (47) — Trent Cole 20, Brady Smith 2, Kaden Jones 6, Reggie Cottrell 12, Brennan Blevins 0, Landon Brock 3, Tucker Curtis 2, Hayden Grace 2.

Harlan County 5 10 13 19 — 47
Knott Central 14 17 19 18 — 68