Warren Central State Title Defense Begins on Thursday Morning
Harlan County Black Bears (31-4) vs. Warren Central Dragons (17-11)
March 21, 2024 – 11:00 EST
By Perry Swack
Over the course of the last three postseasons, the Warren Central Basketball program has been nearly unstoppable. With a record of 21-2, the Dragons have captured three region championships, two district titles, made two appearances in the state championship game, and won the 2023 state title. Since 2000, only four schools have played in consecutive state championship games – Warren Central (twice – 2004-05, 2022-23), Mason County (2003-04), Holmes (2008-09), Scott County (2018-19), and George Rogers Clark (2022-23). No school has appeared in three consecutive championship games since Male in 1973-1975. Talk to anyone in the Warren Central program and they will tell you they are focused on Harlan County, as they should be. However, it’s important to highlight the rarified air these Dragons are among as they take the court on Thursday morning against the 13th Region champions from Harlan County.
Last Time Out
Harlan County defeated Corbin, 62-48, in the 13th Region Championship
Warren Central defeated Bowling Green, 64-57 (OT), in the 4th Region Championship
Last Meeting – Never Met
Recap
From a pure numbers standpoint, 2023-24 was not supposed to be the Dragons’ year. Losing seven seniors from a state championship roster normally spells a rebuild, especially when your main rival brings back virtually its entire roster from a 26-win season. For most of the season, it seemed like Bowling Green may get back to Rupp Arena for the first time since 2021. The Purples certainly looked the part, challenging themselves against the state’s best and holding their own. Although the regular season games were close, Bowling Green dispatched of the Dragons in their first three meetings, including a 78-54 victory in the 14th District championship.
However, a cliche as old as time held true for Warren Central: don’t count out the heart of a champion. Down eight in the fourth quarter of the region finale, the Dragons started to heat up. As he’d done throughout his entire career, senior Kade Unseld came through when it mattered most. Starting the final period, he splashed a three-pointer from the top of the key before two Elijah Howard free throws had Central suddenly down three. The Dragons took the lead momentarily but settled for overtime after a frenzied, final few seconds of regulation.
Bowling Green scored the first basket of overtime, before Unseld nailed another three off of a dribble hand-off to give the Dragons the 51-50 lead – one it would never relinquish. Seconds later he hit another bomb from the left wing to put the Dragons up 54-51. Timely offensive rebounds, free throws, and defensive stops iced the game over the final 90 seconds. Unseld finished with 24 points on only nine shots (6-for-7 from three, 6-for-6 from the line) and grabbed eight rebounds. Fellow senior Drevin Bratton scored 11 points to along with ten rebounds. Elijah Starks added ten points and seven rebounds, while Elijah Howard had nine points.
Prediction
Coach Will Unseld and the Dragons will kick off their state title defense with the 13th Region champions, Harlan County. The Black Bears are making their first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 2017. Harlan County coach Kyle Jones challenged his club, playing high-profile teams from around the state. They went 3-1 in the King of the Bluegrass, losing to Bowling Green (73-62), but defeating 3rd Region champ Butler County, 7th Region stalwart Male, and De La Salle from Chicago. The Black Bears also defeated Sweet 16 participants Ashland Blazer and Perry County Central.
On the court, it all starts with 6’6 Trent Noah, the South Carolina signee. The senior is averaging 29.7 points per game and 10.5 rebounds. Noah is shooting a team-best 56% from the field, 41% from three, and nearly 90% from the line on 300 attempts. Junior guard Maddox Huff is scoring 17.6 points per game and has made 95 three-pointers this season for the high-scoring Harlan County offense. The Black Bears are an elite offense, which will make for an exciting matchup with the Dragons, who defend and rebound at a high level.
Central boasts one of the top field goal percentages in the state at 51% as a team. Four of their top six players are shooting 50% or better. What’s the recipe for another run deep into the state tournament? Look no further than the region championship game. Unseld’s crew was patient on the offensive end, trusting the flow of their offense and getting the best shot on most trips down the floor. As noted above, timely rebounding, defensive stops, and hitting their free throws when they needed them also helped. En route to the state title last season, WC scored 64 points or less in its three final games. If they are able to control the pace of the game while, a deep run may be in store yet again. Either way, the Warren Central Dragons have already accomplished what few others have in the history of Kentucky high school basketball.
Warren Central 55, Harlan County 52
Stat to Know – 4
Warren Central is one of only four teams to reach the state tournament in 2023 and in 2024 (Lyon County, Pulaski County, Ashland Blazer)
