After 13th Region’s Harlan County’s double-overtime win over Knott County Central Wednesday night their reward was to face 14th Region’s Hazard Bulldogs in the semi-finals of the WYMT Mountain Classic @ Perry County Central on Saturday afternoon, and it took another overtime win for the Harlan County Black Bears to earn their way into this prestigious long standing tourney classic’s final Saturday night against the winner of the 13th Region’s Knox Central vs 14th Region’s Wolfe County in the semi-final game to begin at 3:00 p.m. today. 

In a thriller that stayed essentially a one possession game from start to finish, Harlan County finally grabbed the edge in overtime, and getting it done at the free throw line to seal the deal. 

Previously unfamiliar with any of the players on either team, I was stunned to see how both teams thrived by the incredibly mature-for-their-ages underclassmen. 

Harlan County was led by their fabulous freshman Trent Noah who netted 20+ points in the victory along with their sharp shooting sophomore Daniel Carmical who knocked down his share of 3’s. Hazard has an incredible 8th grader of their own in guard Samuel Shoptaw, and were also led by the maturity of their sure handed Sr. guard, and quick as lightning Wade Pelphrey.  

Trent Noah is impressive.  He reminds of Ty Profitt (PG) from South Laurel State Championship team in the 2000s.  Very physical player with a great basketball IQ. 

Correction: the Finals will be played on Sunday afternoon.