Kentucky Sweet Sixteen Preview: Scott vs. Harlan County (3/15)
(Photo Courtesy of Cincinnati.com)
Prep Hoops Kentucky previews Wednesday’s Kentucky Sweet Sixteen State Tournament match-up between Scott and Harlan County. Wednesday tips off the tournament, and Thursday will wrap up ‘sweet sixteen’ competition. The Elite Eight will feature the first round winners playing on Friday. Saturday will wrap up the event with both the Final Four and championship game being played on the same day.
SCOTT VS. HARLAN COUNTY
Scott (10th Region, 21-12) and Harlan County (13th Region, 31-3) square off in Kentucky’s Sweet Sixteen Wednesday (March 15th, 6:30 ET) in Lexington. This will be the first time they’ve met this season.
EQUIVALENT REGULAR SEASON OPPONENTS PLAYED:
Scott and Harlan County both played South Laurel this season. Scott played the Cardinals early in the season, losing a close one 74-78. They played again at Lexington Catholic, losing 50-72. Although Harlan County and South Laurel are region foes, they played each other only once, meeting each other in the regional semifinal. The Black Bears walked away victorious in a close one, 59-56.
HOW THEY GOT HERE:
Scott had to play rival Campbell County twice to get here – competing against each other in both the district and regional finals. In the district, Scott lost by 1 point. If that wasn’t close enough for you, it took Jake Ohmer’s last-ditch-effort 3 off a loose-ball assist to beat Campbell County at the buzzer in the region final to win and earn a trip to Rupp Arena.
Harlan County’s impressive 31-3 record created a ton of confidence going into tournament play. The Black Bears beat Harlan to with the district championship, then won back-to-back close ones to South Laurel and Corbin to win the region and advance on to Rupp Arena.
WHO TO WATCH FOR:
Jake Ohmer (2017), Scott
Ohmer is a walking bucket getter. The University of Cumberlands commit (NAIA) is averaging almost 28 points per game. He’s shooting 53% from the field and over 40% behind the arc. His 3 at the buzzer against Campbell County in the 10th Region final got them here.
Cameron Carmical (2017), Harlan County
Carmical will make some small college very happy. The combo guard is averaging just under 20 points per game and is shooting almost 45% from the field.
Treyce Spurlock (2017), Harlan County
Spurlock is another small college basketball prospect that can make an impact. Averaging 15.5 points per game, Spurlock is a sharpshooter who is shooting 40% from behind the arc.