Heading into his 10th season at the helm of Harlan boys basketball program, Derrick Akal is second to only the legendary Joe Gilley when it comes to length of service. Akal has also enjoyed his fair share of success with four straight 13th Region All “A” Classic titles from 2020 to 2023 and a 52nd District title in 2021.
The Dragons fell on hard times the past two seasons, however, with six wins in 2024 and a 5-25 mark last year with a lineup dominated by freshmen. After a horrid start, the Dragons showed some signs of life late in the season and gave hope that a turnaround was on the horizon, perhaps as early as this season.
“We won’t know how much better we’ve gotten until we actually compete,” Akal said. “We’ve gotten stronger and I think we’ve become more connected playing together over the last year and through summer ball. These guys have been here since last season ended. We should be better. We have a tough schedule, so I don’t know if it will show up in the wins and losses, but I’m happy with the direction we’re going.”
Akal was not surprised by last year’s struggles, knowing sometimes it’s best to go with youth and let them learn through experience. He rebuilt the Harlan program once already and was ready and willing to take on the challenge again.
“It’s part of the process, and I enjoy the process so that’s while I’m still here,” Akal said. “It’s tough to win games in the 13th Region, especially at a small school. I’m curious to see how they respond after last year. I think they’ll compete and get better every day.”
Ethan Huff (7.0 points per game last year, 2.8 rebounds) and Jaxson Perry (8.2, 4.1) are back for their sophomore seasons after learning under fire a year ago by facing most of the 13th Region’s top players.
“Ethan has become a lot better shooter and is understanding the game more as a sophomore. “He’s the ultimate competitor,” Akal said. “Jaxson is a competitor and really worked on his shot. He’s grown some and with that experience he gained last year we are expecting a jump from him as well.”
Izack Saylor (11.7, 4.3), a 6-3 sophomore, provided the Dragons with one of the region’s top shooters and best leapers.
“Izack was our leading scorer last year and is one of the best shooters in the region,” Akal said. “He’s been off a while with track and football, so he has to catch up on his conditioning. We expect big things from Izack. That’s the thing about some of these other guys improving because last year it was just Izack, at times, hitting shots out on the floor.”
Senior guard Dylan Cox (8.2, 2.4) is by far the most experienced player on the Harlan roster, playing a key role off the bench as a freshman on a 24-8 Harlan squad that was ranked among the state’s top teams at one point. Cox is a 3-point threat and strong defender.
“With a young team like this, his experience has helped these young guys,” Akal said. “He plays hard on the defensive end and can hit some shots.”
Kobe Noe (9.9, 5.7), a 6-4 sophomore forward, was almost certainly the Dragons’ most improved players last year and has the ability to score inside or outside.
“Kobe took a beating last year. He improved so much last year, and we love his progress,” Akal said. “He’s our version of the Joker. He’s a good shooter with good post moves. He’s also a good passer who can see the floor. We expect him to make a big jump also.”
Sophomore forwards Eli Noe and Braxton Rowe played significant minutes as the season progressed last year and will play even bigger roles this year.
“We look for Eli to be physical and a screen setter. He’ s improved as a shooter and is starting to understand the game more. He’s our physical presence in there,” Akal said. “Braxton is a big, strong kid who is still learning how to play. We like the direction he’s going. We look for him to be one of our best rebounders and get a lot of minutes.”
The Dragons’ lineup received a big boost with the addition of 6-5 junior Legend Mimes, who moved from Maryland to stay with Akal, his uncle.
“Legend is super talented but this is his first year with these guys and is still trying to figure out where he fits with this team,” Akal said. “We are looking for Legend to do some good things for us this year and provide us with some athleticism. He can guard all five positions at 6-5.”
After dominating the regional All “A” for several years, the Dragons are hungry for a return to state competition after a two-year absence.
“This is probably the most even I’ve seen it in a while,” Akal said. “You have Barbourville, then Jackson County has a new coach and should be pretty good. Pineville is young but with some good talent. Middlesboro is an older team with some experience. I think it will be a wide open tournament.”
Harlan County and Bell County have played in the last two 52nd District Tournament championship games and are favored again this year even though Akal hopes the gap is closing.
“I have Bell as one of the top teams in the region. They are talented and have size. Coach (Brad) Sizemore has built that team up,” Akal said. “Harlan County is not too far from a state championship game, and they will always be good, and (coach) Kyle (Jones) does a good job over there. I look for both of them to be at the head of our district, then it’s us and Middlesboro.”
Defense and rebounding have been focuses for the Dragons in the preseason.
“We have to be a better defensively, and we have to rebound better. If you play good defense, it should end in a rebound, and I thought we were really bad last year in giving up offensive rebounds,” Akal said. “We also have to take care of the basketball better. We struggled with that last year. We also have to be better at making shots. We have to be better in all phases of the game.”