It took a little over three minutes before the Bell County offense to score its first points Tuesday in a first-round matchup in the 52nd District Tournament at Harlan.
But once the Bobcats found their rhythm, there was no stopping them on the way to a 90-36 rout of Middlesboro.
Three Bobcats reached double figures, led by sophomore forward Ethan Buell with 22 points. Junior guard Blake Burnett scored 19, and senior guard Cameron Hall added 18 as the Bobcats improved to 26-5.
“The first game of the tournament is always the toughest,” Bell County coach Brad Sizemore said. “I thought we were a little nervous, plus you have to give Middlesboro credit because they played really hard and made some tough shots early. Our guys settled in the second quarter, and I thought our pressure really bothered them. We’ll take it. Win and go to the next one.”
Senior center Garrison Warren paced the 8-21 Yellow Jackets with nine point. Junior guard Aiden Larew scored seven.
Bell County will play Harlan County on Friday at 7 in the district finals.
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Bell County (90) — Cameron Hall 18, Blake Burnett 19, Cayden Huff 8, Jaxon Thomas 5, Ethan Buell 22, Braxton Ferguson 2, Dalton Black 2, Kaleb Cornett 4, Jacob Grubbs 4, Kenton Brock 4, Carson Wilder 2.
Middlesboro (36) — Bryson Brooks 3, Mekhi Young 4, Jacob TInnell 6, Aidan Larew 7, Garrison Warren 9, Ayden Allen 3, Bryson Heck 2, Emmitt Butler 2.

Middlesboro 8 14 8 6 — 36
Bell County 15 30 29 16 — 90