For the first since 2014 and only the second time in its history, Harlan County High School will not be represented when the 13th Region Tournament opens on Monday in Corbin.
Only two years removed from a regional championship and a run to the Sweet Sixteen finals, the Black Bears fell 55-51 to Harlan on Tuesday, ending a streak of three straight 52nd District Tournament titles. The Bears have won 10 district titles in 18 years, finished second four times and lost in the first round four times.
The Lady Bears, who lost to Middlesboro on Monday, have won five district titles but none since 2019. They have finished second seven times and lost in the first round five times.
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When Derrick Akal took over as the boys coach in the 2016-2017 season, the Harlan Green Dragons had made only one regional tournament appearance since 2000. The Dragons will be making their eighth appearance in 10 years next week with six district runner-up finishes and a championship in 2021 heading into Friday’s championship matchup against Bell County.
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The Middlesboro Lady Jackets broke a 14-game losing streak in district tournament action with a win Monday over Harlan County. It was Middlesboro’s first win in the tournament since 2011, also against Harlan County. The Lady Jackets haven’t won a 52nd District title since beating Harlan County in 2009. The Lady Jackets defeated Harlan in the 2008 for their first district title after moving to the 52nd heading into the 2006 season.
The Lady Jackets won the first 13th Region Tournament ever played in 1975 on their home court but have yet to win a second.
