ONEIDA — Two mountain teams that ended the 2024 season at Rupp Arena, opened the 2025 season Monday at Oneida Baptist in the Larry Gritton Sr. Classic.
Harlan County, the defending 13th Region champs, appeared much closer to last year’s form than defending 14th Region champ Perry Central as the Bears dominated the boards and had a much better shooting night on the way to a surprisingly each 87-47 rout. HCHS owned a 38-17 advantage on the boards and shot 60 percent (32 of 53) compared to 30 percent (18 of 60) for the Commodores.
Senior guard Maddox Huff picked up where he left off in last year’s all-state campaign as he hit five 3-pointers in a 27-point, nine rebound night. Huff was far from a one-man show though as senior Jaycee Carter added 18 points on eight-of-11 shooting while adding seven rebounds. Brody Napier hit three 3-pointers and finished with 12 points. Reggie Cottrell chipped in with 10 points.
“We shot the ball really well. We can beat a lot of teams if we shoot it like that,” Harlan County coach Kyle Jones said, “We’re capable of that, but there will be nights it’s not there but we have to be able to grind and find different ways to win.”
The Commodores were led by senior guard Trayten Woods with 13 points. Tyson Neace and Beau Bakun, also seniors, added 10 points each.
Perry hit five of its first seven shots and led 13-12 before Cottrell and Carter each had four points in an 8-2 run to close the period that puts HCHS up 20-15.
Huff had four baskets and Carter added three in the second quarter as the Bears took command by hitting 11 of 15 shots in the period. Perry missed eight of 12 shots and fell behind 47-29 by halftime.
Napier hit all three of his shots in the third quarter while Huff and Carter added two baskets each as the Bears’ lead grew to 69-39.
Jones went to his reserves early in the fourth period but the Bears were able to build on the lead, starting a running clock with just under two minutes left. Landon Brock and Hayden Grace each hit 3-pointers down the stretch and Bryson Bryant added four rebounds as the Harlan County reserves played well.
“We were gambling a little too much early, but we started making them take tough shots from the second quarter to the fourth, and that was a big difference tonight,” Jones said. “Of course, Maddox played well, and we know everyone will be gunning for him. I thought all of our guys played well tonight. I thought the 3s Brody hit in the third quarter really opened the game up.”
Harlan County will play host to Corbin on Friday in a rematch of last year’s 13th Region Tournament finals.