After losing most of their top players from a year ago moved up to the high school team, this year’s Harlan County middle school baseball squad was expected to be in rebuilding mode.

The Black Bears had other ideas, putting together a 16-6 season that ended with a 1-0 loss Saturday to tournament host Corbin in the Southeastern Middle School Conference Tournament finals. Corbin overpowered the Bears 12-1 a couple of weeks ago.

“We came in to this season extremely young and started out playing top talent,” Harlan County coach Chris Southerland said. “Our kids were nervous while getting used to bigger fields harder from Little League.”

“To come out with the winning record that we did is something amazing to us as coaches,” assistant coach Steven Johnson said. “We’re very proud of this team.”

Gabriel Helton struck out six and walked four in 4 2/3 innings on the mound. Seth Johnson recorded a strikeout to finish the game.

Johnson led Harlan County at the plate with two singles. Grant Caldwell had a double. Helton, Bryson Millis and Lakin Smith added singles.