A cornerstone of Harlan’s regional championship teams in 2016 and 2017, Mackenzie King Varner literally grew up in the Lady Dragons’ basketball program. Beginning in grade school when she played for her father, Mike, to an impressive five-year run on the high school team that included two regional titles and two runner-up finishes, Varner was one of the school’s all-time best players with 1,649 points to rank seventh on the school’s all-time scoring list in addition to being a state champion twice in the shot put and once in the discus on the HHS track team.

After a four-year career at UVA-Wise, Varner returned to Harlan last year as an elementary school teacher and assistant coach under Tiffany Hamm Rowe. She took the next step Tuesday as she was named the new head coach after leading the team in the summer as the interim coach after Rowe stepped down.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Mackenzie return to Harlan High School,” said Harlan High School Principal Britt Lawson in a press release. “Her experiences as a standout athlete here, both in basketball and track, coupled with her demonstrated dedication to the sport and the growth of our students, make her the right fit to lead our Lady Dragons to new heights.”
Varner coached the middle school team last year
“Being named the head coach of Harlan High School’s Lady Dragons’ basketball program has always been something I dreamed of. I have been a Lady Dragon my whole life and am thrilled to have been given this opportunity. I am grateful for all the coaches and teammates I’ve had in my basketball career who have helped prepare me for this new role,” Varner said.
Varner inherits a program that hasn’t made it to the 13th Region Tournament since she was a senior in 2018. The Lady Dragons posted losing records each of the past five years, including 11-18 last season, but will bring back four starters. Kylie Noe and Aymanni Wynn, both juniors, are among the region’s top players and will lead Varner’s first squad, along with senior point guard Emma Owens. Junior forward Leah Davis, who was slowed last year by an injury, also returns to the lineup.
“I have inherited a veteran team that loves playing basketball and has a lot of experience playing together. We had a pretty good summer; I saw lots of good things from the girls,” Varner said. “As far as playing style, I want the girls to play fast, aggressive and disciplined basketball. Winning the 13th Region All-A tournament and playing in the 13th Regional Tournament is always a goal for every team, every year. I believe this team has the talent to achieve both of those goals and will surprise some teams this year.”