PHELPS, Ky. – The Belfry Pirates remain undefeated in district games after battling against the Phelps Hornets Tuesday, and winning 63 to 52.

“I’m happy with our effort tonight,” said Pirates’ Head Coach Randy Casey. “We were focused and ready to go from the start and ended up with a good road win.”

The Pirates’ Thomas Varney helped his team grab the quick lead in the first quarter of play, sinking a three-pointer right out of the gate and a long two on Belfry’s next possession. Belfry went on to score 13 unanswered points over the Hornets and ended the first quarter of play on top, 7-19.

For the rest of the game, the Hornets couldn’t seem to dig themselves out of the hole they fell into during the first quarter. Phelps was able to stay in step with Belfry, but was only able to come within 8 points of gaining the lead, giving Belfry a comfortable cushion to secure the victory.

Phelps’ assistant coach C.H. Smith commented on the Hornets’ play.

“We got down quick, but we never gave up. Overall, we need more intensity and we need to make our free throws.”

Phelps sank 43 percent of their free throws Tuesday, making 12 of 28, compared to Belfry’s 15 of 27 from the line.

Belfry’s Jeremy Maynard led the game in scoring with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Ten of Maynard’s points came in the 4th quarter, shooting 4 for 6 from the free throw line.

Other scorers for Belfry were: Thomas Varney who scored 12 points, Joey Pinson who scored 10 points, Morgan Bentley netted 8, Jordan Hairston scored 6 points, going 4 for 6 from the free throw line and racking up 8 assists, Gary Runyon scored 4 points and Jordan Varney scored 2.

Phelps’ Trent Maynard scored 20 points for the Hornets, 12 of those points coming from 4 three-pointers. Tyler Gannon and Brennan Smith each scored 10 points for Phelps, Jordan Smith had 4, Paul Rayburn and Austin Campbell each scored 3 points and Austin Estepp scored 2.

Phelps shot 41 percent from the floor, sinking 19 of their 46 shots including shooting 4 of 10 from three-point territory. Belfry sank 23 of their 54 shots, a field goal percentage of 43 percent and out-rebounded the Hornets, 42 to 29 from the boards.

Belfry (7-5) will take on the Matewan Tigers Friday, Jan. 29 at home at 8 p.m. The game is apart of a doubleheader with the Lady Pirates playing the Williamson Lady Wolfpack prior to the boy’s game.

Phelps  7  13 13 19-52

Belfry  19 14 9  21-63