CORBIN — Corbin and Harlan County hooked up in another 13th Region heavyweight matchup with the region’s top ranked team doing just enough to pull out a 59-53 win.
The Black Bears were led by South Carolina commit Trent Noah’s 31 points. Noah also scored his 3,000th career point during the game.
Caleb Johnson was the only other Harlan County player that scored in double figures. He chipped in 13 points.
“Extremely proud of my team,” Corbin coach Tony Pietrowski said. “We played with tremendous effort and gave ourselves a chance to win.”
Despite holding the Noah scoreless in the first quarter, Corbin still trailed 12-5. Noah exploded for 16 points in the second quarter while helping push Harlan County’s lead to 32-17 at halftime.
The Redhounds rallied in the second half, outscoring the Black Bears, 19-11, to cut their deficit to seven points (43-36) with eight minutes remaining.
Corbin outscored Harlan County, 17-16, in the fourth quarter, but didn’t get the win.
“We dug a hole early with poor offensive performance, but played well enough defensively to keep ourselves in the game,” Pietrowskis said. “I really feel the gauntlet of games we are going through is going to make us better in the end. I guys haven’t wavered in their confidence and continue to buy in. This is going to make us better down the road. Saw numerous bright spots individually tonight. We just need to become more consistent. It will come.
“Congratulations to Trent Noah on scoring his 3,000th point,” he added. “He’s a special talent and I think his game will transfer quite well to the next level. Big day of basketball tomorrow. I appreciate Bobby Brittain and Tim Short Auto Mall putting on this event. Should be a great day of hoops.”
Zander Curry led the Redhounds with 14 points while Eli Pietrowski added 12 points and Trey Worley chipped in 10 points.
