Ranked as one of the top players in the state, Harlan County junior Trent Noah is ready to guide his Black Bears to what he and his teammates hope is a winning season along with a deep run in post season play that leads to an appearance in the Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.
Noah enters his junior campaign with 1,719 career points along with 697 career rebounds.
“I’m really excited for the upcoming season,” he said. “I feel like we have a really talented and deep squad this year. My teammates and I have been counting down the days to our season opener.”
And one of the reasons why is because of the Black Bears’ early exit from last season’s postseason.
Harlan County lost a heartbreaking 55-54 overtime loss to rival Bell County during semifinal action of the 52nd District Tournament.
“The first round exit definitely replays in our heads regularly and has fueled us to win this year,” Noah admitted. “It was for sure devastating watching (the region tournament) from home, but I know it motivated us and made us more hungry for this coming year.”
Noah and his teammates continued to improve throughout the summer even though the talented junior had to deal with an injury, but it didn’t change folks minds on just how good Noah is.
He entered this season as one of the top 10 returning players in the state.
“During the summer, I spent most of my time in a boot but the time that I was healthy my game developed at a rapid rate,” he said. “I am very grateful for the ranking recognition. It means a lot that others see positive things about my game. There are so many talented players in this region and in Kentucky, and I feel blessed to be mentioned among them.”
With the season ready to be tipped-off, Noah said he and his teammates are ready to meet their goals head on.
“The goal is simple, to win the region and compete for a state championship,” he said. “This team is special, and I feel like we have as good of a shot as anyone to cut the nets down at Rupp.”
