THE CASE FOR THE NORTH HARDIN TROJANS!!!!
It has been quite a while for the North Hardin Trojans to make a trip to Rupp Arena for a KHSAA State Tournament appearance, but there is growing evidence that this season could be a very real possibility. 2010 was the last time the Trojans won the 5th Region Championship and in that tournament, they played a championship for the ages in overcoming a double digit deficit against Campbellsville. That was the magically season in which the battle cry was “Win One for Cameron!” which was their former teammate Cameron Irvin who was tragically killed during the summer. That Trojan team had a magical quality about them as they faced Mason County in the State Tournament first round where they fell in overtime.
This season a very talented North Hardin team has a good mixture of youth and experience and despite some early struggles have appeared to right themselves as they hadn’t lost a game since early January (when they dropped a tough loss to Taylor County on the road) until recently losing an equally difficult game to John Hardin in the 17th District Championship game.
Behind senior forward Tony Jackson, the Trojans have looked very impressive and extremely tough in the clutch. Jackson has had a fine season and is one of the area leaders in scoring, rebounding and exemplifies teamwork. Head coach Michael Cofer has surrounded Jackson with a marvelous array of talent including senior guard Gavin Root, who is one of the best three point shooters in the Region, Senior transfer Trace Young has brought with him a very athletic game and senior James Pitre has improved his game in his final season.
Roger McFarlane and Natorious Burnley have provided depth and helped prepare the team for the final hurdle. So what could stop this powerhouse from another trip to state since the Ron Bevars Era? Plenty! Scoring droughts, Foul Trouble, Free throw shooting and of course the intangibles. During the 17th District Tournament, Cofer had to play both games without several starters and despite a win over Elizabethtown in the semi-finals, it proved to be too much to overcome in a three point loss to John Hardin in the Final.
So, the REAL season starts for the Trojans against LaRue County on Thursday Night at 6:00 at Central Hardin for the opening round of the 5th Region Tournament. Then we will see if this year’s North Hardin team has all the right stuff.
