CORBIN —
By Les Dixon / Sports Editor
It didn’t take long for Knox Central’s Jonathan Barger to make some noise during the Panthers’ 76-61 win over visiting Whitley County Tuesday.
After sitting out the past two games due to receiving two technicals during last week’s game against Harlan County, the senior guard scored 14 of his team-high 24 points during the second quarter allowing Knox Central to take a commanding 42-25 lead at halftime.
Whitley County never recovered.
“The second quarter really hurt us,” Whitley County coach Jerry Overbey said. “He really hurt us. We did a bad job on him. We allowed him to penetrate too much and they scored 28 points in the second half. That’s just too much.”
Knox Central coach Brian Evans thought Barger’s play during the second quarter was the key to his team’s success.
“We missed his energy during the past two games and we were happy to get it this game,” he admitted. “Our success flowed from our defensive play and he made a lot of plays.
“He helped force some turnovers that allowed us to get some easy looks,” Evans added. “Having him back was huge. Like I said, we were glad to have his energy back.”
Neither team got into the flow of the game in the first quarter as Knox Central held a slim 14-10 edge heading into the second quarter.
The Panthers misfired on four-of-17 shot attempts during the game’s first eight minutes while the Colonels weren’t much better at six-of-19.
Barger led Knox Central’s attack during the second quarter by scoring five straight points. His old-fashioned three-point play triggered a 14-2 run that saw the Panthers lead 28-12 with 5:09 remaining in the first half.
By the time halftime rolled around, Knox Central was in cruise control, leading 42-25.
“The second quarter really hurt us,” Overbey said. “We’re getting better. The guys gave a good effort out there and I can’t be upset. But right now, we’re a three-quarter type of team and we need to put it all together.”
The play of 6-8 Tobi Merida carried Knox Central in the second half, as the Panthers were outscored 36-34 by the Colonels, but they still managed to pick up the double-digit win.
“Tobi’s play has been a steady thing,” Evans said. “He’s really improving and the big stat that the radio guys gave me is that he effected 12 shots.”
Merida finished the game with a 14-point effort while Aaron Petrey led Whitley County with 24 points.
The win is Knox Central’s third in a row and eight out of the past 11 games. The Panthers are now 16-6 on the season while the Colonels fell to 4-20.
Knox Central will be back in action Thursday on the road against Jellico, Tenn. while Whitley County will travel to play 50th District foe Corbin Friday.
Knox Central 76, Whitley County 61
Whitley County 10 15 19 17 61
Knox Central 14 28 18 16 76
Whitley County (61) - D. Rutherford 9, Powers 16, Lawson 6, Petrey 24, Hale 2.
Knox Central (76) - Achenjang 4, J. Barger 24, Wilburn 6, Kelly 7, M. Barger 8, Merida 14, Cole 11.
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Knox Central senior Jonathan Barger led the Panthers in scoring with 24 points against Whitley County. Photo by Les Dixon
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Welcome back
Jonathan Barger returns in fine fashion, scored 24 in KC win
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