CORBIN — The Bell County Bobcats are one win away from capturing their first 13th Region championship since 2011 after using a 14-1 run in the first quarter to defeat Whitley County,
The Bobcats (27-6) will be making their 14th trip to the title game, and first under Sizemore, who guided North Laurel to its first-ever 13th Region title in 2012.
Bell County is now 51-49 all time in the 13th Region Tournament while capturing five region championships.
“Our guys came out and had a lot of fun! It was awesome to see them get up and down the floor like they were able to do,” Bell County coach Brad Sizemore said. “I thought our press, rebounding and ball movement was as good as it’s been all year. I’m really proud of these kids and I’m happy for them, we are very blessed to have a chance to play for a regional championship on Monday night.”
The Colonels (20-12), who captured their first region tourney in 52 years this past Wednesday, are now 3-12 all-time in regional tourney history.
Whitley County jumped out to a quick 2-1 edge against the Bobcats but Sizemore’s squad responses with a 14-1 run and never looking back, leading 22-7 at the end of the first quarter, and 31-13 at halftime before putting the game away during the second half.
Both teams’ offenses heated up in the second half but the damage had already been done.
Bell County outscored the Colonels, 37-36, during the final 16 minutes.
Ethan Buell led the Bobcats with 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal. Blake Burnett scored 14 points while finishing with six rebounds and five assists. Jaxson Thomas finished with 14 points, and four 3-pointers while Cayden Huff had 10 points, and six rebounds.
Henry Bowling led Whitley County with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three rebounds. Bryson Mahan had 11 points and five assists while Riley Fuson scored nine points.
“Disappointed we couldn’t pull it off,” Whitley County coach Eric Swords said. “But extremely proud of our seniors and team. Our seniors have won 79 games over their four years which is a program record, as well as being apart of three, 20-win teams, which is half the total of 20 win seasons in history. We got the No. 1 seed in the 50th District, made it to the region for the first time in 15 years, and won a region tournament game for the first time 52 years.
“We appreciate Colonel Nation for all the support,” he added. “We got some good players coming back and now have to working on the next steps to keep the program growing and moving towards a district and region title.”
