By Shane Shackleford

Sports Writer

Behind Sawyer Thompson’s 24 points, the Pineville Mountain Lions improved to 15-7 with an 82-63 victory over 15th region foe Belfry Saturday night in the Gem City Shootout at Pineville.
Thompson, however, wasn’t alone in the scoring column. Three other Lions scored in double figures. Kaiden Robbins poured in 18 points, followed by Jerry Beck with 16 and Ashton Moser with 14.
Senior center Ethan Diles led the 7-12 Pirates with 24 points. Jaxon Estridge added 13.
Behind four three-pointers from Robbins, Pineville got off to a blazing start, outsourcing the Pirates 24-14 in the first period. Pineville maintained their lead going into halftime at 40-31.
Pineville led after three quarters 62-51 and closed the game on a 20-12 flurry to set the margin at 82-63.
The Lions continue their homestand on Tuesday against Jackson County at 7:30 p.m.
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Pineville (82) — Sawyer Thompson 24, Ashton Moser 14, Cam Puckett 6, Kaiden Robbins 18, Jerry Beck 16, Jack Smith 2, Peyton Lawson 2.
Belfry (63) — Carter Jude 7, Ian Loomis 2, Brody Little 8, Jaxon Estridge 13, Bryce Hagy 9, Ethan Diles 24.
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The Pineville Lady Lions fell 72-56 in the Gem City Classic.
Junior forward Rachel Howard scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Lions. Senior guard Ava Arnett added 16 points. Kamryn Biliter chipped in with five points and was followed by Madison Johnson with four and Addison Arnett and Clara Strange with two each.
The 9-11 Lady Lions travel to Hazard on Tuesday and play host to Harlan on Thursday.