Two days after a big win over Harlan on the road, the Bell County Lady Bobcats fell to Knox Central on Thursday night at home, 69-61. After getting off to a slow start, the Lady Bobcats battled their way back into the game, but were never able to overcome the lead that the Lady Panthers had built.

“I thought we came out a little flat,” said Bell County coach David Teague. “We dug ourselves a bit of a hole, and just couldn’t get those last few plays we needed to dig ourselves out. It’s something we’ve talked about a lot lately, is coming out faster and starting better; it’s been a point of emphasis.”

Bell County got off to a rough start in the first quarter. The Lady Panthers were able to capitalize on second-chance buckets in building a 17-8 lead in the first period. The Lady Bobcats stormed back in the second quarter, bringing the game to within as few as four points midway through the period. However, Knox Central took a 35-29 lead into halftime.

In the third, Knox Central was able to maintain their offensive consistency, scoring 15 points while holding Bell County to 13, taking a 50-42 advantage into the final period. Each team scored 19 in the final quarter, leaving Knox Central with an eight-point lead at the final buzzer. Knox Central improves to 12-10, and Bell County falls to 10-15 on the season.

“I’m proud of our effort tonight,” Teague said. “I’m proud that we fought our way back after starting slow and gave ourselves a chance to win. We just couldn’t get a few key buckets to fall when we needed them. Knox Central is a good team, they’re well coach and they’re physical. We knew going in that they were going to be strong on the glass, and I don’t think we did a great job of fighting for positioning and things on the inside. I’m proud that we gave ourselves a chance, but we have to start games off better.”

Bell County is back in action against Barbourville at home on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Bell County (61) — Abby Harris 24, Ashtyn Meyers 17, Sara Kidwell 10, Ashley Middleton 6,

Knox Central (69) — Presley Partin 21, Emily Davis 13, Zoe Liford 13, Ryleigh Swafford 12, Caylan Mills 10.