Beech Tree News Network

GATLINBURG - Butler County dropped back-to-back games in the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School-hosted Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic Tuesday, Dec. 21-Wednesday, Dec. 22.

After knocking off the host team in the opening round of the annual boys' high school basketball holiday tournament, Butler County lost to in-state opponent Bullitt Central and Landrum, a team out of South Carolina.

More on each game featuring the Bears follows.

Bullitt Central 63, Butler County 55: Butler County slipped into the loss column as Bullitt Central prevailed 63-55 in the Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Bullitt Central, which hails from Region 6, shot 44.9 percent (22-of-49) from the field in the winning effort. The Cougars shot 36.8 percent (seven-of-19) from three-point range.

Bullitt Central shot 57.1 percent (12-of-21) from the free throw line. 

Hunter Coleman poured in a game-high 25 points to lead Bullitt Central to the win. Coleman was the only Bullitt Central player to reach double figures in scoring.

Narrowly missing double figures for the Cougars, Christian Curtsinger netted nine points.

Contributing offensively for Bullitt Central, James Barnhard (eight points), Jacob Hess (seven points), Brady Westwood (five points), Nathaniel Craven (four points), David Williams (three points) and Brandon Coogle (two points) accounted for the rest of the Cougars' scoring. 

Butler County shot 36.7 percent (18-of-49) from the field in the loss. The Bears shot 31.6 percent (six-of-19) from three-point range.

Faring better when shooting foul shots, Butler County shot 72.2 percent (13-of-18) from the free throw line. 

Isaac Dockery and Lawson Rice led Butler County, scoring 13 points apiece for the Bears.

Accompanying Dockery and Rice in double figures in scoring for the Bears, Solomon Flener netted 10 points. 

Nearly recording double-doubles and combining to pace Butler County inside, Rice and Dockery pulled down nine rebounds and eight rebounds, respectively. 

The additional scorers for Butler County in the setback included Jagger Henderson (seven points), Brody Hunt (seven points), Braden Dockery (two points), Colton Tichenor (two points) and Zack Phelps (one point). 

Landrum (SC) 77, Butler County 67: Four Butler County players reached double figures in scoring but it wasn't enough as Landrum (SC) pulled away to win 77-67 in the Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 22. 

Butler County shot 44.8 percent (26-of-58) from the field in the loss. The Bears shot 38.5 percent (10-of-26) from three-point range.

Butler County shot 55.6 percent (five-of-nine) from the free throw line. 

Jagger Henderson scored 13 points to lead the Bears. Joining Henderson in double figures for Butler County, Solomon Flener netted 12 points while Isaac Dockery and Brody Hunt contributed 10 points apiece.

The additional scorers for Butler County in the matchup against the South Carolina squad included Lawson Rice (eight points), Colton Tichenor (seven points), Justin Castlen (three points), Luke Laughing (two points) and Clayton Deweese (two points).