LEXINGTON — Harlan County’s run for its first KHSAA Sweet 16 championship came to an end in Saturday’s championship game, losing to Lyon County, 67-58.
The Black Bears (34-5) hung tough throughout the contest, building a quick 5-0 lead while finding themselves tied at 50 apiece with 6:46 remaining before Mr. Basketball and Sweet 16 MVP Travis Perry and Lyons took over.
Lyon County outscored Harlan County, 17-8, during the final six minutes to pick up the nine-point win.
The Black Bears trailed 36-30 at halftime, and was tied with the Lyons at 45 apiece entering the fourth quarter.
Perry finished the game with 27 points and five assists while Jack Reddick scored 16 points and Brady Shoulders finished with 15 points.
The Lyons shot 23-of-42 from the floor, including a 10-of-19 effort from 3-point range. They also hit 11-of-18 free throw attempts.
Maddox Huff led Harlan County with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 6-of-11 from 3-point range. Senior Trent Noah finished with 17 points and nine rebounds. He totaled 129 points in the state tournament, and 39 rebounds.
Noah finished his high school career with 3,707 points, 20 points shy of former North Laurel star Reed Sheppard’s 13th Region record of 3,727 career points.
Brody Napier added seven points while Jaycee Carter and Reggie Cottrell scored five points apiece. Caleb Johnson finished with two points.
The Black Bears shot 23-of-46 from the floor, including 11-of-28 from 3-point range. Harlan County only shot two free throws in the game, finishing 1-of-2.
Noah, Cottrell, and Huff were named to the all-tournament team.
