LOUISBURG -- Why not us?

That was the sentiment of Louisburg College men's basketball coach Neil Dixon when discussing his club's chances at next week's Region X Tournament.

LC will enter the event with a sub.-500 record at 14-15, but Dixon feels like his Hurricanes are a legitimate threat to make a deep run at the tourney.

"The league is as deep as I have seen it,'' Dixon said. "You are probably looking at nine different teams that could win this tournament -- including us.''

LC closed out its regular season slate Monday (Feb. 25) with a 92-83 home decision against region opponent Lenoir Community College.

All five starters reached double figures in scoring, led by Todd Smith with 21 markers to go with six rebounds and five assists.

Louisburg was able to earn the conquest despite being without injured standout Aaron 'Tank' Simmons, who is expected to return next week for tournament action.

Last Wednesday, LC was competitive on the road against league regular season champion Pitt Community College in Winterville.

The Hurricanes stayed close with the Bulldogs before Pitt pulled away later for a 92-80 victory.

The Bulldogs led by one point at intermission but outscored LC 54-43 over the closing 20 minutes.

"We were in the game right up to the end,'' Dixon said. "After it was over, I asked our guys that, if Pitt was the No. 1 seed, why can't we win the conference?

"We have been in pretty much ever region game that we have lost. We just haven't been good enough to win, but that can change.''

Louisburg will open its tournament quest next Monday at home against Patrick Henry Community College, with the winner moving on to the quarterfinals next Thursday.

The quarters, semis and finals will be played next Thursday through Saturday on the campus of Wake Tech Community College in Southern Wake County.

The tourney champion will earn a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association National Tournament in March in Danville, Illinois.

The Hurricanes took second place at the national event two years ago.