Hazard Tops Paintsville, Moves Past First Round in Classic

Hazard High School opened the first round of the WYMT Food City Mountain Basketball Classic on December 9 with a 4 0 run that set the tone for the rest of the game, and the Bulldogs held off Paintsville to advance in the tournament. The quick early scoring and a handful of key defensive stands in the second half helped Hazard secure the final result as the Mountain Classic moved through its day by day schedule.

Players on both teams traded momentum for much of the contest, but Hazard's early pressure produced the separation the team needed. Coaches adjusted rotations to respond to Paintsville runs, and Hazard's ability to convert in transition and to protect the ball in the closing minutes preserved the victory. The game card added another chapter to a week of local basketball that has drawn attention across eastern Kentucky.

For Perry County residents, the result matters beyond the scoreboard. Weekend tournaments like the Mountain Classic bring student athletes opportunities for exposure and competition, and they draw families and supporters together in ways that support community cohesion. High school sports contribute to physical activity and youth mental health, and they underscore the importance of continued investment in school athletics, safe playing conditions, and access to athletic trainers and medical care.

The tournament also spotlights broader equity and policy questions. Rural districts often face tighter budgets, transportation barriers, and uneven access to medical staffing at games. Ensuring consistent concussion protocols, on site health care, and funding for equipment and travel are public health priorities that affect athlete safety and community well being. Local leaders and school boards can use tournament attention as an opportunity to reassess resource allocation so that all students can compete safely and fairly.

WYMT is providing day by day coverage of the Mountain Classic, with game recaps and video highlights available on its platforms for fans who could not attend. Hazard now advances to the next round, and the win will energize the community as the Bulldogs continue their run in a tournament that remains a regional highlight for high school basketball.