Beech Tree News Network

MORGANTOWN - Butler County fell short of landing in the win column as visiting Hancock County prevailed 58-50 in a girls' high school basketball season opener on Monday night.

Butler County started strong, outscoring Hancock County 11-7 in the opening quarter. However, Hancock County battled back, outscoring Butler County 16-5 in the second quarter to lead 23-16 at halftime. 

The Lady Hornets led 33-28 at the conclusion of the third quarter. 

Karmin Riley pace Hancock County with a team-high 19 points. Accompanying Riley in double figures for the Lady Hornets, Bailey Poole posted 14 points. 

Narrowly missing double figures for Hancock County in the winning effort, Haven Riley netted nine points.

Alex Kratzer (eight points), Kiera Duncan (five points) and Lily Roberts (three points) combined to account for the rest of Hancock County's scoring in the victory. 

Taylin Clark led Butler County with a game-high 28 points. Clark was the only Butler County player to reach double figures in the scoring column in the setback. Following Clark, Gracie Cardwell and Jaelyn Taylor added seven points apiece for the Lady Bears. 

Jenna Phelps and Kaylee Embry rounded out the Butler County individual scoring, chipping in six points and two points, respectively. 

Butler County (0-1) is scheduled to host Edmonson County for a 12th District opener on Friday, Dec. 6. Tip-off for the Butler County-Edmonson County girls' basketball game is set for 6 p.m.