Breathitt County 14th Region Champions State Tournament Preview

Nickname: Bobcats

City: Jackson KY

District: 55th 

Region: 14th

Cinderella story? Breathitt County wins the 14th region tournament after being ranked #1 maybe twice all season and wasn't predicted to win the 14th region due to Hazard being so dominant and they're head coach and former Knott County Central head coach, BB King passing away in the middle of the season. Football coach, Kyle Moore took over as interim coach, what he's done has been nothing short of remarkable. For the first time in a long time, the Breathitt County Bobcats are 14th region champions. The Bobcats go into the the KHSAA Sweet 16 state tournament with a 18-9 record. Bobcats also come in on an 6 game win streak and have won 10 of they're final 12 games. After struggling early in the season the Bobcats seem to be clicking on all cylinders. Breathitt County was ranked #1 in the weekly rankings twice, Hazard laid claim to that spot majority of the season. 

Breathitt County, winners of the 55th district, came into the 14th region tournament, facing Knott County Central. Bobcats wouldn't have any issues out of the Patriots as they stormed past Knott County Central 66-45. Breathitt County would advance to the semi-finals of the 14th region tournament, where they would have a tall task in front of them in Hazard. Hazard stayed #1 all season long and had came into the region tournament unbeaten against 14th region teams. In a barn burner, nail bitter, heart beater, whatever you wanna call it, Breathitt County was able to pull off a shocker and knock off the favorite, Hazard 53-51. Breathitt County would advance to the regional championship game, where they would take on the region host, Perry County Central. Breathitt County wouldn't have any issues out of the Commodores as they rolled to a 62-46 win to claim the 14th region crown.

The prize the Bobcats get for winning the 14th Region and advancing to the Sweet 16? A date with Region 7 winner, Louisville Trinity (24-7, have won 8 straight) or Louisville Male (24-10, have won 13 straight. Male hasn't lost a game since January 20th loss to St. X). Trinity already took one game from Male this season, 64-57, second game into the season. 

It's been awhile since the 14th region winner advanced to the elite 8 of the sweet 16, 2017 in fact, when Perry County Central defeated Pikeville 61-46. 2013 Knott County Central defeated Clay County 68-54 to advance to the elite 8. 2012 Knott County Central defeated Boone County 71-54 to advance to the elite 8. 2008 Hazard defeated South Laurel 50-47 to advance to the elite 8. 2004 Perry County Central defeated Morgan County 66-45 to advance to the elite 8. 2002 Whitesburg defeated Wayne County 52-51 to advance to the elite 8. As you can see, the elite 8 hasn't been good to the 14th region at all. 

Breathitt County will be led by sophomore point guard, Austin Sperry who comes in averaging 18 points a game. Senior center, Christian Collins comes in averaging 15 points a game Luke Bellamy comes in averaging 9.3 points a game. Breathitt County comes in with 5 seniors on the roster; Luke Bellamy (G), Christian Collins (C), Andrew Collins (F), Bryce Hopkins (C), Caden Turner (F). 

Breathitt County Bobcats got a long way to go and a tall task standing in front of them but they have the entire 14th region community standing behind them!