Sports Correspondent

The Perry County Central Commodores and the Pikeville Panthers closed out the opening round of the WYMT Mountain Classic. The Panthers jumped out to an early lead but could not hold on as the Commodores came from behind to claim the 80-70 win.

Pikeville opened the game with a 10-0 run that left Perry Central reeling, or so they thought. The Commodores quickly recovered, behind a strong press, and ended the quarter trailing by two points (16-14).

The Commodores continued to have the hot hand in the second period, and swapped the lead back and forth with the Panthers throughout the quarter. The final rally in the half belonged to Perry Central, sending the Commodores to the locker room with a 34-33 lead.

Neither team was able to break the other’s resolve in the third period, and the back and forth struggle continued. Going into the final period, Perry Central held a three-point advantage at 57-54.

Pikeville came out in the fourth quarter, and managed to wrestle away the lead. Perry Central was then forced to pick up the pace to mount another comeback down the stretch. The Commodores were able to regain the lead by forcing the ball down in the paint and forcing the Panthers to put them on the line.

The Commodores were able to make good on their free throws (14 of 19 in the quarter), and went on to the 80-70 win. Tyler Bailey and Jason Kelly each had 19 points in the win.

Perry Central (80)

Jacob Watts 12, Tyler Bailey 19, John Amis 12, Justin Stacy 14, Jason Kelly 19 and Heath Brashear 4.

Pikeville (70)

Daniel Harmon 31, Tim Honaker 7, Jordan Bell 5, Jacob Sword 3, Matt Clevenger 14 and Devin Adams 10.

******* Use the Jason Kelly picture.