By GREG MENGELT

In arguably the toughest sectional around, North Harrison dominated and left with its first sectional championship since 1996.

The No. 13 Cougars overcame Charlestown, Corydon Central and Scottsburg — by an average of 10 points per game — to take the title at the Class 3A Salem Sectional and the title of Hoosier Hills Hoops Boys’ Team of the Week.

Head coach Lou Lefevre has now won six sectional titles at three different schools in the last 16 years. The Cougars are the first team other than 2-time defending state champion Silver Creek to win a sectional title in Sectional 30 in five years.

The Cougars have won 10 games in a row and 15 of their last 16 heading into Saturday’s Class 3A Washington Regional against fourth-ranked Sullivan (23-2). The winner will face Evansville Bosse (17-9) or Lawrenceburg (20-7) in this Saturday’s regional at Washington.