BluegrassPreps.com Knott County Central Patriots (14th Region Champions) State Tournament Preview

Team: Knott County Central

Location: Hindman, KY (2.30/3HR Trip to Rupp Arena)

Nickname: Patriots

Head Coach: BB King

Overall Record: 18-7

The Patriots captured another 14th Region Crown on Wednesday March 24th when they defeated the Bulldogs of Hazard 65-56 at Fairce O'Woods Coliseum. But, let's take a look back at how they got to where they were. 

53rd District Tournament (Letcher County Central):

The Patriots would open up they're first round of the 53rd district tournament against June Buchanan, a team they had bullied around all year and this would be no exception. The Patriots defeated the Crusaders both times this year, 72-32, 78-45. This would set up a 53rd district championship match with Cordia, who defeated Letcher County Central in the other opening round game. The Patriots, again, wouldn't have any problems winning another district title as they cruised past the Lions 81-60.

14th Region Tournament (Breathitt County Fairce O'Woods Coliseum):

The 2021 14th Region draw seen the Patriots match up with the host school, Breathitt County Bobcats in the opening round of the 2021 14th Region tournament. It was a good game until the Patriots pulled away to win 64-51. The Patriots would move on to the semi-finals of the regional tournament, playing the Commodores of Perry County Central who had just defeated Estill County in the opening round. Knott County Central would have some issues out of Perry County Central, winning by 9, 68-59. The Third (3) quarter was the deciding factor as the Patriots would hold the Commodores to just two (2) points the entire third (3) quarter. The Patriots would move on to the 14th Regional Championship game, against non-other than Hazard Bulldogs. Great game until the Patriots would pull away late to win 65-56. 

2021 KHSAA Sweet 16 Tournament at Rupp Arena:

By winning the 2021 14th Regional Championship, the Patriots get to move on to the grandest stage of them all. The KHSAA Sweet Tournament at Rupp Arena in Lexington. The Patriots will play the Region 5 winner (John Hardin/Washington County or Bardstown/Elizabethtown). This is the first time since 2015 that the Patriots have won the 14th region title and will be playing at Rupp Arena. They fell to Calloway County 73-68 in the opening round of the KHSAA Sweet 16. The Patriots are no stranger to playing at Rupp Arena as they have played there 5 times. 

2010: Lost Butler 57-47 in the opening round.

2012: Defeated Boone County 71-54 in the opening round. Lost Oldham County 36-34 in the Elite 8.

2013: Defeated Clay County 68-54 in the opening round. Lost Ballard 68-53 in the Elite 8.

2014: Lost Bowling Green 65-58 in the opening round.

2015: Lost to Calloway County 73-68 in the opening round.

Coach BB King has been at Knott County Central since 2010/11 and is 252-91.