Harlan County only trailed Trinity, 51-50, entering the fourth quarter of the two team’s consolation matchup during Tuesday’s King of the Bluegrass, but saw the Shamrocks use a 23-12 run during the final eight minutes to secure a 74-62 victory.
The Black Bears (7-3) posted a 2-2 record during their stay in the prestigious tournament, holding their own while picking up two big wins, and will be back in action again next week, participating in the Smoky Mountain Winter Classic.
“Proud of our kids, came up a little short against one of the better teams in the state,” Harlan County coach Kyle Jones said. “We are not into moral victories, but we feel like we have a lot of positives to build on from this tournament. We competed and did not get stepped on by any team we faced this week.”
Harlan County led 20-17 at the end of the first quarter, but trailed, 33-31, at halftime.
The Black Bears cut their deficit to, 51-50, at the end of the third quarter before Trinity put the game away.
Harlan County finished hitting 22-of-46 shot attempts, including a 6-of-18 effort from 3-point range. The Black Bears were outrebounded, 34-25.
Trent Noah led Harlan County with 20 points, and nine rebounds while Maddox Huff finished with 14 points, and eight rebounds. Daniel Carmical scored 12 points, and hit four 3-pointers.
