Pirates drop two on the road
The Powell County Pirates season is drawing to an end, with this week remaining before the district tournament. The Pirates were on the road last week with two games. Powell dropped both games and now looks for their second wind as the post-season approaches.
Last Tuesday, Powell traveled to Jackson to take on the Breathitt County Bobcats. Powell had fallen to the Bobcats at home by 22 points earlier in the season. Breathitt County quickly jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first minute of the game. Powell tried to battle back but Breathitt responded and led 14-6 after the first quarter.
Powell started the second quarter with a turnover and Breathitt hit a three pointer. The Pirates now trailed by double figures. Matt Pelfrey and Zach Dennis were able to keep Powell in the game with their play in the second quarter. Pelfrey hit 7 of 7 free throws and added a basket. Dennis scored on the inside with two buckets. The Bobcats continued to pressure the Powell guards and get steals. Breathitt was able to maintain their lead into halftime with the score 34-23.
The third quarter saw the Pirates come out with renewed energy. Dennis scored a quick basket, Pelfrey hit a three pointer and Jacob Conner also hit a three. Powell had suddenly cut the lead to 36-31. Breathitt came down and went inside for a basket and then got a steal and another basket.
The Pirates missed on an inside shot and the Bobcats rebounded and ran the ball up the floor for a layup basket and the lead was back to 11 points. Powell was able to cut the lead to 47-39 after three quarters.
The Pirates in the fourth quarter would get as close as nine points but Breathitt would fight off the challenge each time. The Bobcats steadily increased the lead and hit 8 of 10 free throws in the fourth quarter to secure the victory, 69-55 over the Pirates. Powell was lead in scoring by Pelfrey who had 20 points and Dennis who added 12 points.
Last Saturday, the Pirates traveled to Prestonsburg to take on the BlackCats. Powell defeated Prestonsburg by 30 points last month in Stanton. With three games scheduled, the Pirates were on the road early. Makeup games at Prestonsburg had the Pirates sitting in the gym for a lot longer than anticipated.
The Pirates finally got to take the floor and they looked tired. Prestonsburg used that and the Senior Night emotion to slow the Pirates down. The BlackCats controlled the pace of the game, using their size advantage inside and not allowing the Pirates to run with the ball. The Pirates fell in a close game 61-58 to Prestonsburg.
Powell’s record stands at 15 – 12 on the season. The Pirates have now lost three games in a row for the first time all year.
Powell has two regular season games remaining and both are against tough opponents. The Pirates were scheduled to play host to the Wolfe County Wolves this past Tuesday.
The Pirates also host Hazard on Friday night. Friday night will also be Senior Night for the six Powell County seniors.
Next week, the Pirates host the 56th District Tournament and play Owsley County in the first round on Monday.