LEXINGTON — The Harlan County Black Bears are one win away from becoming the 13th Region’s first boys’ basketball state champions since 1987.
The Black Bears overcame a four-minute span of not hitting a field goal in the fourth quarter and defeated a stunned Evangel Christian squad, 55-47.
Led by senior Trent Noah’s 29-point, 10-rebound effort, Harlan County fought back from a four-point first half deficit to secure the eight-point win.
Noah, who is now only 38 points away from becoming the career leading scorer in 13th Region history, had another fantastic game.
He connected on 5-of-13 shot attempts, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range. Noah also connected on 16-of-18 free throw attempts. He has now scored 112 points in three Sweet 16 games.
The Black Bears (34-4) led 15-12 after the first quarter and 32-30 at halftime before taking a 43-35 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Harlan County held a slim 48-45 advantage with less than a minute remaining in the game when Reggie Cottrell scored on a layup to break the game open. Cottrell finished with six points and three rebounds.
Maddox Huff turned in a 15-point, nine rebound effort while leading the team with two assists. Caleb Johnson added four points and five rebounds while Brody Napier chipped in a point and finished with three rebounds. Jaycee Carter added five rebounds in the win.
Harlan County shot 15-of-46 from the floor, including a 4-of-24 effort from 3-point range. The Black Bears were 21-of-25 from the free-throw line. They also out-rebounded Evangel Christian, 38-32.
