With the 52nd District Tournament only a little over a week away, Harlan County coach Kyle Jones wanted to see improved defense from his Bears before they open defense of their district and regional championships.
The Black Bears delivered in a big way this week, routing Middlesboro 74-23 on Wednesday and dominating Harlan 73-21 on Friday. The Green Dragons were limited to 21 percent (seven of 33) shooting while missing all 14 3-point attempts.
“We just ran into a juggernaut,” Harlan coach Derrick Akal said. “This was their last home game for the seniors. They are the No. 1 team in the region and one of the top teams in the state for a reason. It was a learning experience for my guys on how hard it is to win a high school basketball game at that level. This should benefit us in the offseason, not so much tonight, but this is a process, and I’m all about the future for these guys.”
“I thought Harlan’s kids played hard, but our defensive intensity was good, and that’s what we talked about in the locker room,” Harlan County coach Kyle Jones said. “It has to be the same every night, no matter who we played. I thought we played our best against South Laurel (on Monday). In order for us to make a run at the district and region, we have to be able to sit down and guard. We did that tonight.”
Senior guard Maddox Huff scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the 21-8 Bears. Senior center Jaycee Carter added 13 points.
The 5-22 Dragons were led by freshman guard Jaxson Perry with six points.
Huff had five baskets in the opening quarter as the Bears raced to a 20-5 lead. Carter had three baskets in the second quarter, while Trent Cole and Brody Napier added two each, as the lead grew to 48-12 at the break, setting up a running clock for the entire second half.
Harlan County’s lead grew to 60-18 by the of the third quarter as the HC starters took the rest of the night off, including the three seniors playing their last game at home in Huff, Napier and Carter.
Brennan Blevins and Brady Smith teamed for six baskets in the final period as the Bears outscored Harlan 13-3.
Harlan County closes its regular season schedule Monday at Knox Central. Harlan travels to Whitley County on Tuesday and closes the regular season Friday at home against Knox Central.