A cult hero among the thousands who watched Harlan County’s epic run to the state finals at Rupp Arena in 2024, Reggie Cottrell’s place in county basketball history is secure. While many basketball fans in Lexington already knew about future Kentucky Wildcat Trent Noah and fellow all-stater and Division I signee Maddox Huff, Cottrell became a crowd favorite because of his athleticism, heart and long hair.

His legend grew the following summer when he lost a finger due to a firecracker accident, but he returned to help lead the Bears to a 2A state runner-up finish and a third straight 52nd District title and 20-win season.

Cottrell ended his high school career this past season by leading the Bears to a 19-12 record while earning all-region honors and joining the school’s 1,000-point club. He took the first step on the next phase of his career Thursday as he signed with Union Commonwealth University in ceremonies at HCHS.

“He just gets after it,” Union coach Rodney Haddix said of what interested him in signing Cottrell. “He’s hard nosed and doesn’t let anything bother him. He’s an athlete, but the biggest thing is he plays really, really hard. He will defend. He will rebound. Whatever it takes to win. He plays winning basketball and you have to have guys who are willing to do whatever it takes to win. He’s also an awesome kid who is always smiling. He will have fantastic kids around him.”

Cottrell will join former Harlan High School standout Kaleb McLendon on the Union roster.

“I felt coach Haddix and what he has going on fits perfectly with the way I play,” Cottrell said.

Speakers before Cottrell’s signing, including coach Kyle Jones, athletic director Eugene Farmer and Principal Kathy Napier talked about the impact Cottrell had on the program.

“Reggie Cottrell will always be one of my all time favorite kids, no matter how long I continue to coach the game of basketball,” Jones said. “The injuries he overcame and the heart he has shown over the past four years for Harlan County basketball is truly unbelievable if you think about it. Reggie had a great career at HC — one of the best.  He was a part of three district championships,  a 13th Region champion, a 2A state runner-up and KHSAA state runner-up, and he was a key contributor on all of those teams.  I am so proud of the player and person he has became, Union is getting a true warrior. There is not a doubt in my mind if he stays focused he will be very hard to keep off the floor at Union in the future. “

A three-year starter, Cottrell averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds as a sophomore, then 9.3 points and 5.5 as a junior and 18.0 points and 7.2 rebounds as a senior.

Jones said former Georgetown College coach Happy Osborne, a Lynch native, played a big role in helping Cottrell continue his basketball career on the next level.

“I want to give a thank you to coach Happy Osborne,” Jones said. “He kept up with Reggie since our state tournament run and fell  in love with his heart and determination.  He played a big role in linking me to coaches to help Reggie pursue his college basketball dream.”

Cottrell said he won’t forget what he has been part of at HCHS.

“It has been unreal,” he said. “All my teammates and coaches pushed me to be the best I can be. I just thank them for all their help.”