The Times-Tribune
CORBIN — By Tim Branstetter / Staff Writer
The Clay County Tigers might have a cruise control button, but they were not able to use it as the Barbourville Tigers scratched and clawed during the final three quarters before falling 68-56 during the first round of the 13th Region Tournament. It was the first region tournament win in four years for Clay County.
“We’ve not quit all year,” Barbourville coach Dinky Phipps said. “I’m so proud of these kids, they just refuse to quit.”
After finding themselves down by 12 points at the end of the first quarter, Phipps’ squad matched Clay County the rest of the way. Josh Hilderbrand led the way with 20 points, while Darrin Mills added 13 points.
“Josh is a very fine player,” Phipps said. “We couldn’t get anybody to help him and Mills out. But I can't take anything away from our kids, I’m very proud of them.”
Clay County got off to a hot start and grabbed a 7-0 lead thanks to D.J. Wilson. He scored the first six points of the game and finished with 13 points on the night. They extended their lead to 14-4 with 4:39 remaining in the first quarter.
Mills connected on a three-point play for Barbourville and carried the black and blue squad with six points in the quarter, but they still trailed by 12 points heading into the second quarter.
Barbourville outscored Clay County 15-10 in the second quarter to pull within seven at the half, 33-26.Hilderbrand got going and scored eight points in the quarter, including two three-pointers. Phipps' squad turned the ball over eight times in the first half, while Clay County only gave the ball up twice.
Kendale Reed stepped up for the white and gold team by scoring seven points in the third quarter. Reed led Clay County with 18 points for the game. Barbourville trailed 47-37 with one quarter remaining.
Brad Marsee tried to rally Barbourville with a nice pass to Steven Rudd with 4:29 left to play, but Phipps' squad still trailed 55-46. Tyler Tye knocked down a three-pointer for Barbourville to close the gap at 62-54, but only 1:39 remained on the clock.
Barbourville will lose two players to graduation, Marsee and Kyle Engle.
“Brad and Kyle will be missed,” Phipps said. “We will just have to start over and look forward to next season.”
13th Region Tournament
First Round at The Arena
Clay County 68, Barbourville 56
Barbourville 11 15 11 19 56
Clay County 23 10 14 21 68
Barbourville (56) – Marsee 4, Hilderbrand 20, Mills 13, Engle 5, Rudd 9, Tye 5.
Clay County (68) – Roberts 14, Wilson 13, Reed 18, Mitchell 14, Gay 7, England 2.
