Sophomore Cameron Justice was named to the state All-Tournament Team.
Knott County Central finished the 2013 season strong as they advanced into the quarter-finals of the state tournament. The Patriots finished the season with a sparkling 30-6 record.
“It was another great year. I am so proud of the kids and want to thank everyone for their support,” added Coach BB King.
Patriot Cameron Justice was named to the all-tournament team after two out-standing performances in the big show. Knott County’s cheerleaders also made a great showing as they placed second in the state.
Knott County began the tournament against a familiar foe; they drew 13th region champion Clay County. The Tigers came out hot and scored the first five points of the game. Simon Christon hit a jumper to stop their early run. Clay County kept the Patriots at bay as they opened a 15-8 lead and led 17-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Trailing 20-12 with 7:01 left in the first half, the Patriots came charging back. Cameron Justice tipped in a bucket and Simon Christon scored on a lay up to cut the lead to four. Corey Short drilled a three pointer and a jumper by Cameron Justice tied the game at 21. Corey Short sank another three point shot and Cameron Justice followed him with a three pointer as Knott County took a 27-21 lead. Two free throws by Chance Cornett pushed the Patriots lead to 8 and Knott County led 31-23 at the half.
The Patriots continued to pull away in the third quarter. A jumper by Simon Christon gave Knott County a 37-27 lead and Cameron Justice canned a three pointer as the Patriots pushed their lead to 13. Knott County continued to take control and led by 17 after Evan Hall took a nice pass from Blake Shrum and completed an old-fashioned three point play with 34 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Knott County maintained a double digit lead throughout the 4th quarter as they hit their stride in Rupp Arena. The Patriots’ biggest lead was 16 on four different occasions and they rolled to the 68-54 win.
Cameron Justice paced Knott County with 29. Simon Christon added 12, Chance Cornett-10, Evan Hall-6, and Corey Short added 11. Cornett added 10 rebounds.
The Patriots’ season came to an end in a 68-53 loss to #1 rated Louisville
Ballard. The Patriots committed 17 turnovers as the Bruins harassed Knott County from end line to end line with defensive pressure.
Knott County actually played a pretty good game but had a hard time matching up with the Bruins. Ballard took an early lead of 13 , but Knott County fought back to within 12 points at the half. Ballard stretched their lead to 20 in the third quarter and held off Knott County in the 4th.
Cameron Justice tossed in 24 for the Patritos. Simon Christon added 7, Chance Cornett-13, Evan Hall-4, Corey Short-3 and Dillon Craft added 2.
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KCC’s cheerleaders placed second in state competition at Rupp.