JR. BEARCATS POST WIN IN HAVANA

In what was the closest game of a four game night the Junior High Bearcats topped Western Yell County 39-32 Tuesday night in Havana.

Reed Brackney led the way with 10 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three blocked shots and was heavily involved in a key second quarter run.

A free throw by Brackney made it 13-11 with 3:21 left in the first half and another with 2:50 left made it 14-11.

When Brackney (shown) scored twice in a 35-second span, both baskets off of rebounds, the lead was 18-11.

A late 3 by Rylie Swint reestablished a seven point halftime lead at 21-14.

WYC cut it to 21-18 midway through the third quarter but again Brackney scored consecutive baskets for the visitors and it was a seven point lead at 25-18.

A pair of Hayden Daniel free throws again made it 27-20 going to the final quarter and a 3 by Daniel had it an eight point edge with 3:59 to play.

A Nick Widener 3 had the lead at nine, 35-26, and WYC was no closer than five the rest of the way.

The Bearcats (1-1) had opened the year with a 34-24 loss in Mansfield on Monday.

Carson Smoker and Widener both scored six points in that game.

WYC 45 Jr. Lady Bearcats 21

Western Yell County scored the first 13 points of the night and the lead was no less than the nine it was after a pair of Emma Fox baskets that made it 13-4.

On her way to 12 for the night, Fox would score eight second quarter points but the deficit would be 20 by halftime, 31-11.

The Lady Bearcats avoided the sportsmanship rule with a Haylee Taylor basket to close the third quarter and another by Fox to start the final quarter but WYC coasted the rest of the way.

The Lady Bearcats (0-2) had opened the season on Monday with a 30-27 loss at Mansfield.

Chloe Walker scored 10 points in Mansfield.

Both junior high teams will be in action Thursday night when they host Hector. First tip is at 4 p.m.