CORBIN — Harlan County enters this week’s 13th Region Tournament the same they entered the 2023-24 — the team to beat.
The Black Bears possess a 28-4 record, and an unblemished 15-0 mark against 13th Region opponents.
Teams such as Clay County, Corbin, Knox Central, North Laurel, South Laurel, Pineville, and Bell County will have something to say in the end on who will be crowned region champs.
Mikey Jones’ Tigers (23-8) are the hottest team in the region. They unseated the Jaguars as 49th District champions while running their win streak to 15 games.
The Redhounds (23-8) are coming off an 50th District Tournament championship victory, and enter the tournament with a five-game win streak.
Knox Central (21-9) could be the sleeper team of the region. The Panthers won only four games last season, but reclaimed the 51st District title last week over the Mountain Lions.
Nate Valentine’s North Laurel squad enters the tournament as the two-time defending region champion. The Jaguars are 17-15 with hopes of making another run this week.
Keep an eye on Pineville, who hosts the tournament.
Brad Levy’s Mountain Lions (20-10) came up one point short in the 51st District finals but possess one of the best one-two punches in the region.
Bell County is ready to surprise as well.
The Bobcats started the season red-hot with a 16-0 mark, but have only went 9-7 since.
13th Region Tournament Boys’ Team Rankings
- Harlan County
- Clay County
- Corbin
- South Laurel
- Knox Central
- North Laurel
- Bell County
- Pineville
13th Region Tournament Boys’ Player Rankings
- Trent Noah, Harlan County
- Gavin Chadwell, Knox Central
- Jordan Mabe, South Laurel
- Maddox Huff, Harlan County
- Sawyer Thompson, Pineville
- Hayden Harris, Clay County
- Elijah Bundy, Clay County
- Ashton Moser, Pineville
- Blake Burnett, Bell County
- Brody Brock, North Laurel
13th Region Boys’ Tournament
at The Arena
First Round
Wednesday, March 6
Knox Central vs. North Laurel, 6 p.m.
Corbin vs. Bell County, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7
Harlan County vs. South Laurel, 6 p.m.
Clay County vs. Pineville, 7:30 p.m.
Semifinals
Saturday, March 9
Winner of Knox Central/North Laurel vs. winner of Corbin/Bell County, 1 p.m.
Winner of Harlan County/South Laurel vs. winner of Clayton County/Pineville, 2:30 p.m.
Finals
Monday, March 11
TBD, 7 p.m.
