Knox Central advances to Saturday’s final with 65-57 OT win over Breathitt Co. at WYMT Food City Mountain Classic

HINDMAN, Ky. (WYMT) - The Knox Central Panthers and the Breathitt County Bobcats faced off in the first boys semifinal of the 35th annual WYMT Food City Mountain Basketball Classic presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau and sponsored by ARH on Friday night. After a close first half, and a back and forth second half and overtime, the Panthers won it going away 65-57.

After a 25-24 halftime lead for Breathitt County, a 17-11 third quarter but Knox Central back on top. It was a one point Knox Central lead with less than two minutes to go, with a Jevonte Turner floater extending the lead to three with less than 90 seconds remaining. But a three point play the old fashioned way from Breathitt County’s Austin Sperry tied the game again with just 80 seconds remaining. Turner’s free throws gave Knox Central the lead with 40 seconds remaining but with 14 seconds to go, Christian Collins tied it up at 51 to send the game to overtime.

In the extra frame, Knox Central struck first, then got the turnover and the senior Blake Ledford’s second three of the night put Knox Central up five, a lead they would never give up.

Knox Central’s Jevonte Turner finished with a team-high 27 points. Gavin Chadwell also finished in double-digits with 10 points.

Austin Sperry led Breathitt County with 22 points, with Luke Bellamy also notching 19 points.

Knox Central goes on to play in the final on Saturday against the winner in Perry Central v. Harlan, Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Breathitt County will face off against the loser of the second semifinal Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

You can watch every game of the WYMT Food City Mountain Classic on our second channel, Heroes & Icons, or on WYMT.com.

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