It was a back and forth affair that saw Knott Central retake the lead in the 3rd quarter and never look back as they beat Johnson Central 58-46 in the first round of the WYMT Mountain Classic.

Knott Central got big performances from unexpected places. Stuart Stamper had 10 and Tate Cox had 13. But it was Braxton Ratliff in the first half and Freshman Zach Davis in the second half that carried the Patriots.

Ratliff finished with 8 points and a lot of rebounds while Davis scored 11, all in the second half. Davis was named game MVP.

Johnson Central was led by Sophomore center Cody Parker who led everybody with 16.

Knott Central advances to face Hazard in the Semi-Finals on Friday at 8:45, while Johnson Central will take on Allen Central in the Consolation round on Thursday at 8:15.

Knott Co. Central 15 9 16 18 - 58
Johnson Central 9 8 18 11 - 46

Knott Co. Central- Cox 13, Amburgey 11, Davis 11, Stamper 10, Ratliff 8, Mullins 3, Bartrum 2

Johnson Central - Parker 16, Whitaker 9, Welch 7, Hall 7, Conley 4, Bratton 3