Trent Noah showed why he’s considered as one of the top players in the state on Tuesday.
The Harlan County junior scored a game-high 36 points to lead the Black Bears to a 76-65 win over Bell County.
The last time the two teams met was during last season’s 52nd District Tournament.
Noah’s last second shot rimmed out, allowing the Bobcats to advantage in postseason play while the Black Bears’ season came to an end.
Noah was able to turn the tables this time around.
The game was close throughout but whenever Harlan County (5-1) needed a clutch basket, Noah answered the call.
He scored six points in the first quarter as the Black Bears built an 18-15 lead. Noah added 15 points in the second quarter, giving his team a 42-31 cushion at halftime.
Bell County (1-3) rallied in the third quarter, cutting its deficit to, 57-53, as Dawson Woolum hit three 3-pointers, and scored 11 of his team-high 26 points during the period.
Harlan County sealed the deal in the fourth quarter as Noah scored nine points while Maddox Huff added four of his 16 points during the period.
Noah finished with five 3-pointers while Caleb Johnson scored eight points, and Jonah Swanner added seven points.
Woolum finished the game hitting six 3-pointers while Cameron Hall hit three 3-pointers, and finished with 20 points for the Bobcats. Blake Burnett added 10 points in the loss.
Harlan County will be back in action this Friday, participating in the King of the Bluegrass while Bell County will host Garrard County at 7 p.m. in Saturday’s Pride of the Mountains Basketball Showcase.
