Hazard wins overtime thriller, beats Clay County to reach championship

Hazard secured a 66 to 33 overtime victory over Clay County in the girls semifinal of the Mountain Basketball Classic in Hindman on December 13. The Bulldogs advanced to the tournament final with a performance that combined offensive efficiency and defensive containment, and were scheduled to face North Laurel in the championship at 6 p.m. that same evening.

Junior Maddi Frohnapfel led Hazard with 27 points, finishing with seven of her eight field goal attempts made, an 87.5 percent conversion rate. Frohnapfel accounted for roughly 41 percent of Hazard's scoring in the game, underlining her central role in the Bulldogs offensive attack. For Clay County, Maci White was the primary offensive outlet, scoring 24 points and knocking down four three point shots. White's four threes produced 12 points, representing half of her total output and about 73 percent of her team’s 33 points.

Statistically the game was striking. Hazard held Clay County to 33 points across regulation and overtime, a low total that reflects a strong defensive game plan or a cold shooting night for the Tigers. The Bulldogs meanwhile converted efficiently, with Frohnapfel's near perfect field goal rate a clear driver of the margin. The fact that the contest required overtime before finishing with a 33 point difference suggests Hazard was able to seize momentum in the extra period.

For Perry County residents, the result matters on multiple levels. School pride and local support are concentrated around postseason success, and a championship berth typically brings increased attention and foot traffic to local businesses on game nights. Players who deliver standout performances in regional tournaments may attract interest from coaches and scouts, shaping program recruiting and the team’s trajectory this season.

Looking ahead the championship matchup with North Laurel will test whether Hazard can sustain its efficiency against another top regional opponent. For the community, the immediate impact is celebratory and economic, and the longer term effect will depend on how the Bulldogs build on this tournament run as the season continues.