Coming into the 13th Region Tournament as the 49th District runner-up, Clay County knew the path forward wouldn’t be easy.
But drawing the region’s hottest team in the opening round? That’s about as tough as it gets.
The Tigers will square off Wednesday night against a 25-6 Bell County squad that has been nothing short of dominant this season. Coach Brad Sizemore’s Bobcats finished with the best overall record in the 13th Region and went a perfect 15-0 against in-region opponents — a remarkable feat in one of Kentucky’s most competitive regions.
That run included a signature 64-59 victory over North Laurel, and Bell capped its district tournament with an emphatic 72-40 win over Harlan to claim the 52nd District championship.
The Bobcats bring one of the most explosive offenses in the region into Corbin. Bell has poured in 2,244 points this season, averaging 72 points per game — the highest scoring output in the 13th Region.
Senior Blake Burnett leads the charge at 19 points per game while shooting an efficient 60 percent from the floor. Junior Ethan Buell follows at 17 points per contest and is connecting at a 52 percent clip.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Freshman Braxton Ferguson has emerged as another scoring threat at 14 points per game and has knocked down 47 three-pointers this season. Junior Jaxon Thomas averages nine points per game and leads the team with 57 made three-pointers, giving Bell multiple perimeter weapons capable of stretching defenses.
“They love to shoot the three,” Clay County coach Michael Jones said. “They’re simply an outstanding team. Our defense has to really step up — better than we’ve done all season — if we’re going to advance.”
Containing Bell’s balanced attack will be priority No. 1 for the Tigers, who have battled their own adversity down the stretch.
The biggest question mark for Clay is the health of leading scorer Adon Grubb. The junior has been hampered by a high ankle sprain and was visibly limited during the 49th District Tournament.
“We’re treating the injury day-to-day,” Jones said. “Hopefully he comes out Wednesday night in better health than he has been.”
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