Breathitt Hangs on To Defeat Wolfe in a 55th Battle

Wolfe’s Corey Flinchum puts up 31 in defeat

JACKSON – December 19, 2023 – Brendon D. Miller

As is always the case, you can throw out the records and stats when the best rivalry in the 14th Region is on display, and the Bobcats and Wolves staged their final installment of 2023 and first for District seeding of the 23-24 season on Tuesday Night in the Fairce O. Woods Coliseum. Breathitt was able to come away with a 60-58 win to take to lead in District seeding and the 55th automatic bid to the 14th Region Tournaent.

This season, the game that never disappoints, pits two extremes in age and experience with a veteran Bobcat team against a very young Wolfpack. As a contrast, all 60 of Breathitt’s ponits in the game were scored by upperclassmen, Seniors (21) and Juniors (38). All 58 of the Wolfe’s points were scored by Freshman (45) and Sophomores (13).

As an observation, the game began in one of the most tame atmospheres that I have experienced for a Breathitt-Wolfe meeting as there was just not much energy in the Coliseum. The first quarter was very physical with both teams d-ing up the other. The atmosphere changed with a dust-up between the teams at the end of the quarter. From there, it was on as usual.

1st Quarter
Braxton Terry was the story early in this one, taking advantage of his physicality in the lane for two baskets and mutliple rebounds. Austin Sperry had seven and Jaxon Hamilton hit a three. Wolfe was led by Brady Robinson with two scores for four. At the end of the 1st, Breathitt was on top 14-9.

2nd Quarter
Terry added two more buckets in the quarter and Canaan Gross had two field goals for four. Corey Flinchum really began his big night with three threes for nine of the 12 the Wolves put on the board. At the half, Breathitt led by seven, 28-21.

3rd Quarter
Wolfe made their run in the quarter behind Flinchum and Caleb Creech. Flinchum hit three field goals and was three of three at the line for nine, while Creech had two scores for four. Isaac Bellamy had two scores for the Bobcats. End of the third, Bobcats were still on top 38-36.

4th Quarter
Terry had two scores and was two of four from the line to tally his team-high 16 and Bellamy lead with a seven. Breathitt was seven for 12 at the line in the quarter. Flinchum finished his night with 10 down the stretch and Creech added seven for this total of 14. Austin McGinnis had five.

INDIVIDUAL SCORING
BREATHITT – Braxton Terry – 16; Austin Sperry – 16; Isaac Bellamy – 13; Jaxon Hamilton – 9; Canaan Gross – 6.

WOLFE – Corey Flinchum -31; Caleb Creech 14; Brady Robinson – 6; Austin McGinnis – 5; Camden Oliver – 2.

These two will next meet in the First Round of the 14th Region All A on January 8th. That game will be streamed LIVE on BSN.

NEXT:
Breathitt tavels to Prestonsburg on Thursday and Friday to take on Paintsville on Thursday and Lawrence County on Friday in the Prestonsburg Christmas Classic.

Wolfe hosts Powell County on Friday Night at Rose Gymnasium. That game will be LIVE on BSN.