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By Paul Lunsford

The Black Bears outscored visiting Perry Central 23-8 in the fourth quarter on Thursday to defeat the Commodores 62-42 in the final home game of the season.

Harlan County opened the game strong, racing to a 21-14 lead after eight minutes. Trent Noah had nine points in the quarter. The Bears nailed five 3-pointers in the period.

The Commodores scored 12 straight points in the second quarter and led 26-25 at the break.

The Black Bears outscored PCC 14-8 in the third quarter as Tyler Cole scored six points as Harlan County led 39-34 entering the final period.

Cole had eight of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. Noah scored 18 points on the night. Jackson Huff tossed in 10 points.

“We had some bright spots, but our effort wasn’t good the first half,” said Harlan County coach Michael Jones.

Seniors Josh Turner, Cole and James Gray were honored before the game.

“I’m proud of these seniors and what they’ve meant to our program,” said Jones.

Sophomore guard Tyler Day paced Perry Central (6-11) with 14 points. Rydge Beverly followed with 10. Lanse McKenzie added nine.

“Everything we did right the first half went wrong in the second held,” said Perry Central coach Shannon Hoskins.

Harlan County (17-4) closes the regular season Saturday against Montgomery County in the Raymond Reed Classic at South Laurel.

The Black Bears will battle Bell County in the 52^nd District Tournament next week at Harlan High School.

The Commodores will return to action Saturday in the Kentucky Prep Showcase against Martin County. The game will be played at Prestonsburg. PCC will play host to Cordia on Sunday and Pike Central on Monday.

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Trayton Woods fired in 19 points as Perry Central defeated HC 50-45 in overtime in the junior varsity game.

Jeremiah Clem led the Black Bears with 16 points. Jared Rhymer tossed in nine while Ethan Rhymer scored eight. Samuel Henson and Caleb Johnson added five points apiece. Taelor Haywood had two.

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Harlan County (62) – Trent Noah 18, Tyler Cole 19, Jackson Huff 10, Daniel Carmical 6, Jonah Swanner 4, Tristen Cooper 3, Maddox Huff 2, Josh Turner 0.

Perry Central (42) – Rydge Beverly 10, Tyler Day 14, Dylan Brock 5, Lanse McKenzie 9, Tyler Fannin 4, Treyton Woods 0.

Perry Central 14 12 08 08 – 42

Harlan County 21 04 14 23 – 62

3-Point goals: Harlan County 10 (Noah 3, Carmical 2, Cole 2, J. Huff 2, Cooper 1), Perry Central 2 (Day 1, Brock 1).