Even though his Harlan Green Dragons went through the pains of a rebuilding season in 2024, senior guard Kyler McLendon didn’t miss a beat as he established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the long and distinguished history of the program.
McLendon, who signed earlier this with week with the University of the Cumberlands, finished second in the state last season in scoring at 30.3 points per game while adding 6.3 rebounds. A five-year member of the Harlan varsity, McLendon finished third in school history with 2,591 points, just behind former teammate Jordan Akal. Charles Thomas, the 1995 Mr. Basketball, is first with 3,365 points.
McLendon helped coach Derrick Akal rebuild the Harlan program during his career. The Dragons were 13-17 in McLendon’s freshman season as he averaged 2.3 points per game in a reserve role. Harlan finished 17-6 in 2021 as McLendon averaged 7.7 points per game to help the Dragons win their first 52nd District title since 2000. Harlan improved to 22-11 in McLendon’s second sophomore campaign (due to covid rules allowing players to repeat a grade) and he averaged 7.4 points. McLendon’s game exploded in 2023 as he took over the team lead in scoring at 22.3 points and 3.5 rebounds on a 24-8 squad.
“I look back on my career at Harlan as great time in my life,” McLendon said. “ I’ve learned a lot from my coaches and coach Akal on and off the court, and I also feel as if me and all the guys I’ve played with have influenced the guys coming after us to work hard and be ready for all the hard trials that are to come.”
McLendon joins a Cumberlands squad that finished 28-5 last year under coach Matt Daniel and advanced to the round of 16 in the NAIA tournament.
“I chose Cumberlands because I love the staff and the team culture reminds me of my own experiences at Harlan over the years,” McLendon said. “I see my self going down there and helping a team that has a winning culture to keep that winning mentality and help keep that culture going.”
“We are very proud of Kyler, and I think it’s a great fit for at the University of Cumberlands and he has been a huge part of the success we’ve had in the program,” McLendon said. “He has left his mark on the program.