Facing defending 14th Region champ Knott Central on the road to open the season, the Harlan County Lady Bears’ lack of offensive firepower was evident in a 57-32 loss.
The Lady Bears were outscored 23-7 in the opening quarter and spent the rest of the night playing catch up.
Sophomore guard Ella Karst was the only Lady Bear in double figures with 17 points.
Kylie Gayheart led a balanced Knott attack with 15 points. Brooke Mason and Presley Fletcher added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Harlan County faces another tough test Thursday at Knox Central against one of the 13th Region’s top teams.
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Knott Central rolled to a 57-18 win in junior varsity action as Layce Hall scored 17 and Aleasia Bentley added 16 for the Lady Patriots. Faith Pollard and Drew Reed chipped in with 10 each. Kaylee Gibson added four.
Maddi Middleton led the Lady Bears with seven points. Savannah Hill scored three. Peyton Lunsford, Lacey Robinson, Trinity Jones and Whitney Noe tossed in two each.
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Knott Central (57) — Kylie Gayheart 15, Abby Maggard 7, Presley Fletcher 10, Brooke Mason 11, Kelsey Noble 2, Courtney Hayes 2, Ally Hall 3, Faith Pollard 6, Haley Combs 1.
Harlan County (32) — Ella Karst 17, Jaylin Smith 5, Taylor Lunsford 3, Kylie Jones 3, Hailey Austin 2, Paige Phillips 2.

Harlan County 7 3 5 17 — 32
Knott Central 23 6 18 10 — 56