Bentley sparks Cougars as they rally past visiting Phelps

Letcher+Central+guard+Bodie+Bentley%2C+pictured+in+action+earlier+this+season%2C+scored+25+points+in+the+Cougars+win+over+Phelps+on+Tuesday.

Ernie Sexton

Letcher Central guard Bodie Bentley, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 25 points in the Cougars win over Phelps on Tuesday.

By John Henson, Managing Editor

With the Letcher Central offense sputtering in the first half as the Cougars fell behind 30-21 due to 36 percent (10 of 28) shooting from the field, it was time for junior guard Bodie Bentley to take control.
Bentley hit 12 of 17 shots and scored 25 points while adding seven rebounds and four assists as Letcher rallied for a 65-51 win over visiting Phelps.
“It was a great team effort down the stretch after a slow start. We’re settling in to more of an identity,” Letcher Central coach Winston Lee said. “Now, if we can put together a complete game and sustain that identity and effort over four quarters, we’ll give ourselves the greatest opportunity to compete with anyone.”
Letcher took control by outscoring Phelps 20-6 in the third quarter. The Cougars exploded for 24 points in the final period.
Nigel Nichols and Joby Johnson added nine and eight points, respectively, for the 3-2 Cougars. The Cougars also received scoring from four reserves
“The bench provided a huge spark tonight with great defensive energy, which led to some transition opportunities after we struggled to score in the opening quarter,” Lee said. “I’m proud of a total team effort. We’ll take ugly Ws as we continue to build and learn.”
Phelps (0-6) was led by Mason Prater with 13 points and Keandre Galaurb-Jackson with 11.
Letcher Central will travel to Buckhorn on Thursday and Phelps on Saturday.
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Letcher Central (65) — Bodie Bentley 25, Nigel Nichols 9, Wyatt Ison 4, Joby Johnson 8, Isiah Adams 9, Brady Boggs 4, Kaden Adams 2, Cooper Bailey 2, Daelyn Shepherd 2,
Phelps (51) — Mason Prater 13, Jaeshon Nugent 7, Landon Dotson 4, Dominick Francis 8, Keandre Galaurb-Jackson 11, Jaylen Wells 6, Logan Layne 2.

Phelps 18 12 6 15 — 51
Letcher Central 6 15 20 24 — 65
3-point goals: Phelps 4 (Prater 3, Francis 1), Letcher Central 2 (Nichols 1, Adams 1). Rebounds: Phelps 32 (Wells 6), Letcher Central 36 (Bentley 7, Adams 7, Johnson 7). Assists: Phelps 8 (Galuarb-Jackson 4), Letcher Central 15 (Bentley 4). Turnovers: Phelps 16, Letcher Central 14. Fouled out: None.