In a showdown of 14th Region contenders, Letcher Central made the key defensive play of the night when it counted most in a 62-60 victory over visiting Leslie County on Wednesday.
With the score tied at 60 in the closing seconds, Brooke Bates stole an inbounds pass and found Kayle Banks for the game-winning basket.
Keira Couch was one of four Lady Cougars in double figures with 18 points. Loren Boggs scored 14. Banks and Tori Holcomb added 11 each.
Emily Bowling led Leslie County with 15 points. Emily Napier and Courtney Hoskins contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Lady Cougars rolled to a 69-23 win over Lee County on Monday as Bates poured in 23 to lead Letcher. Banks added 18 points and seven rebounds.
Letcher Central (9-8) will travel to Johnson Central on Thursday. Leslie County (13-4) plays host to Jenkins on Friday.
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Letcher Central (62) – Keira Couch 18, Loren Boggs 14, Tori Holcomb 11, Kaylee Banks 11, Brooke Bates 5, Jaylin Whitt 3.
Leslie County (60) – Emily Bowling 15, Emily Napier 14, Courtney Hoskins 12, Iris Napier 8, Emma Napier 6, Baylee Davidson 5.
Leslie County 14 18 13 15 — 60
Letcher Central 21 9 15 17 — 62