Tigers falter late in loss to Betsy Layne

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Paintsville was limited throughout the second half as Betsy Layne overcame a halftime deficit to pull away to win 65-55 in the opening round of the 15th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at the Appalachian Wireless Arena on Thursday, March 3.

The loss eliminated Paintsville from the boys’ high school basketball postseason, exiting the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season 19-9.

The Tigers started strong, carrying a 12-9 lead out of the first quarter. Paintsville outscored Betsy Layne 15-10 in the second quarter to lead 27-19 at halftime.

But Betsy Layne battled back.

Cutting into the Tigers’ lead, Betsy Layne outscored Paintsville 22-18 in the third quarter.

Pulling off the come-from-behind win, Betsy Layne dominated late in the postseason matchup. Finishing strong to claim the 10-point victory, Betsy Layne outscored Paintsville 24-10 in the fourth quarter.

Jordan Frazier poured in a game-high 32 points to lead Betsy Layne to the win.

Providing a double-double for the Bobcats, Chase Mims scored 16 points and pulled down 14 rebounds.

Giving Betsy Layne three scorers in double figures, Brady Robinson netted 11 points for the Bobcats.

Braxton Tharp and Colby Fugate scored 17 points apiece to lead the Tigers. Accompanying two of his teammates in double figures, Connor Fugate added 15 points for Paintsville in the season-ending loss.

Betsy Layne defeated Paintsville for the second time in the 2021-22 boys’ high school basketball season.