Lady Bears close summer action with win over Lee

By John Henson, Managing Editor

Showing the balance they will need to challenge in what should be a tough 52nd District next season, the Harlan County Lady Bears closed their summer schedule with a 63-28 rout of visiting Lee, Va., on Tuesday.
Junior forward Jaylin Smith, one of two returning starters for the Lady Bears, poured in 20 points as she led the HCHS offense. Junior center Taylor Lunsford added 12 points. Ella Karst and Hailey Austin tossed in 10 points each. Kylie Jones and Paige Phillips chipped in with six and five points, respectively.
Smith had five baskets early and Jones hit a pair of 3-pointers as HCHS raced to a 20-6 lead. Lunsford and Austin added three baskets each as the lead grew to 34-13 by halftime.
Karst heated up in the second half with a pair of baskets, including a 3-pointer. Phillips also added a basket and a 3 as HCHS built a 55-21 advantage. Smith continued to do damage in transition with four more baskets in the second half. Lunsford and Austin added two baskets each in the second half.
Eighth-grade forward Whitley Teague and eighth-grade guard Cheyenne Rhymer each scored six points as Harlan County claimed a 21-8 junior varsity victory. Whitney Noe added three. Savannah Hill, Lacy Robinson and Alli Stewart scored two points each.