GATLINBURG, TENN. — The Harlan County Black Bears opened play in the Smoky Mountain Classic with a 65-30 rout of Meade County on Thursday.

The Bears were led in scoring by sophomore guard Tyler Cole with 14 points. Alex Pace added 12, while Gabe Price and Elisha Smallwood contributed 11 each.

Meade (2-6) was led by Chris Armstead with five points.

The Bears got out to an early 16-7 lead behind Price’s seven points, a lead they would never give up. HCHS outscored Meade 20-7 in the second period, extending their lead to 36-14 at halftime with Pace leading the way with six in the frame.

The third quarter was much of the same with the Bears outscoring the Greenwave 21-8 with Cole leading the way with eight points. With both team’s reserves in the game, HCHS and Meade played to an 8-8 tie in the final period.

The 8-2 Bears move to the semifinals and will face the winner of Villa Madonna-Glenwood, Alabama, game at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

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Harlan County (65) — Alex Pace 12, Gabe Price 11, James Smith 5, Tyler Cole 14, Taylor Spurlock 4, Patrick Bynum 0, Josh Turner 4, Elisha Smallwood 11, Jackson Huff 2, Adam Boggs 2.

Meade County (30) — Camron Nall 4, Chris Armstead 5, Chezney Weick 4, Peyton Cole 3, Brayden Blankenship 3, Chaney Weick 4, Kobe Nikolao 1, Parker Johnston 3, Mitchell Dozier 1, Cooper Crump 2.