Beech Tree News Network

BARDSTOWN — Butler County pulled away to beat Western Hills 49-36 to win the Don Franklin Chevy Christmas Classic at Thomas Nelson High School on Thursday, Dec. 22. 

The Lady Bears started strong, outscoring Western Hills 12-8 in the first quarter.

Butler County led 26-21 at halftime and extended its lead after the intermission period.

The Lady Bears led 39-27 at the conclusion of the third quarter. 

Jenna Phelps scored a game-high 17 points to lead Butler County to the championship-clinching win. Phelps was the only Butler County to player to reach double figures in scoring.

Narrowly missing double digits for Butler County, Ann Marie Skaggs netted nine points.

Aiding Butler County offensively, Parker Willoughby (five points), Ava Wilson (five points), Tinslea Belcher (four points), Taylor Leach (four points), Bailey Moore (three points) and Addison Miller (two points) accounted for the rest of the Lady Bears' scoring. 

Kiana Mitchell scored a team-best 11 points to lead Western Hills in the tournament title game. Mitchell was the only Western Hills player to reach double figures in scoring.

In addition to Mitchell's 11 points, Western Hills received scoring from Bry'e Wolfe (five points), Malia Campbell (four points), Kaylind Davis (four points), Christina Ayers (three points), Aubrey Perkins (three points), Elizabeth Judy (two points), Gracie Chappell (two points) and Lauren McGaughey (two points). 

Butler County outlasted Holy Cross (Louisville) 41-38 in the opening round of the Don Franklin Chevy Christmas Classic on Wednesday, Dec. 21. 

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Story by Steve LeMaster, for Beech Tree News

After posting the win over Western Hills, Butler County improved to 6-1.