We are one day away from the Harlan County Black Bears beginning their journey of attempting to capture the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 championship.
The Black Bears enter the tournament as one of the favorites and could very well bring a state championship home to the deep, dark hills of eastern Kentucky.
Even thought Harlan County has been ranked in the state’s top 10 for almost the entire season, it seems like Harlan County continues to fly under the radar despite possessing one of the best players and one-two punches in the state.
The Black Bears are led by 13th Region Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball Candidate and South Carolina signee Trent Noah.
Noah has accomplished many things his senior campaign, including scoring more than 1,000 points this season (1,038), averaging 29.7 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game, shooting 56 percent from the floor and 88.9 percent from the free throw line.
Maddox Huff has turned in a stellar season as well, averaging 17.6 points per game, while shooting 49.4 percent from the floor, including 46.1 percent from 3-point range. He has hit 95-of-206 3-point attempts this season. Huff is also averaging 4.7 boards per game.
This team is more than just the duo of Noah and Huff.
Most everyone that attended the 13th Region Tournament two weeks ago saw that first hand.
The Black Bears (31-4) took South Laurel’s best punch in first round action before pulling out a slim 38-34 win.
Harlan County also took Clay County’s best punch in the semifinals, winning 66-60 before defeating Corbin in the region finals, 62-48.
It was a total team effort in the region tournament.
Noah and Huff came up big time after time, but so did many other Black Bear players as well.
I was impressed with how deep and talented Harlan County is, and how they feed off coach Kyle Jones’ emotion.
Reggie Cottrell averages 8.8 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game, but could very well be the best defensive player I’ve seen locally since Warren Gross helped guide South Laurel to a state title in 2005 — that’s how good Cottrell is.
His length and athleticism gives opponents fits. I also like how disciplined he was during the region tournament when he picked up his fourth foul and continued to play at a high level.
Jaycee Carter is another Black Bear that can do big things because of his size and skill. Carter averages 8.6 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game, and really gets the crowd into each contest.
He’s an important weapon for Harlan County, and coach Jones has done a fantastic job using Carter in key situations when his team needed a rebound or a basket. Carter is a warrior you can’t overlook or he will make you pay.
Caleb Johnson (6.5 points per game), and Brody Napier (3.2) are two Black Bears that also contribute a lot to the team. Both players can’t be overlooked, and have played big roles in Harlan County’s success this season.
They’re joined along with many other teammates that have played a big role in the Black Bears’ success.
Harlan County will have its hands full with Warren Central in first round action of Thursday’s KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 Tournament, but it’s a very winnable game, and a game I believe Harlan County will come out on top.
This squad is special, and they’re have shown just how special they are the entire season, and I don’t see any reason why the Black Bears will slow down once they tip-off against the Dragons at Rupp Arena.
Just like Harlan County super fan Chandra Howard has said the entire season — “This is the year of the Bear.”
I agree, and the Black Bears are gonna make Rupp Arena their den for the next few days.
Let’s get behind Harlan County, and cheer the Black Bears on to bring home a state title!
It can be done.
