The Cumberland Gap Panthers and the Claiborne Bulldogs met for the first time this season on Friday, December 10, and it was an exciting night for fans throughout the county. The Bulldogs had a fast start on the Panthers, outscoring them 21-13 in the first quarter. But the second quarter was different. The Panthers scored 27 points in the second, and by halftime they had cut the Bulldog lead to 1 point. The third quarter was all Panthers, outscoring the Bulldogs 25-12, and the Bulldogs were unable to overcome this deficit in the fourth, only making up two points on the Panthers. The final score was 87-77 Panthers. The Panthers shot an outstanding 73 percent from the 2-point range, and an overall 59 percent. Coach Sherrill King said that this is the most points scored by his team this year.

Leading the way for the Panthers was Javan Crockett with 23 points, followed by Andrew Fultz with 22. Barry Brooks contributed 16 points and Jory McFall 11. Other Panthers scoring were Tyler Brim, 8; Joey McFall, 3; A. J. Fultz, 2; and Clay Bisceglia, 2. Tyler Brim also had 9 assists and 5 steals. Scoring for the Bulldogs: Josh Estes, 25; Andrew Nichols, 23; Dustin Poore, 10; Matt Reece, 7; Jeff Poore, 5; Brian O