Dragons fall to Johnson Central in state tourney

Harlan fell 11-1 to Johnson Central on Saturday in pool play at the middle school state tournament in Prestonsburg.
Chris Rouse and Jake Brewer each had doubles for the Dragons. Eli Freyer added a single.
Baylor Varner started on the mound for Harlan and struck out six and walked three. Luke Luttrell struck out two and walked four.
Due to scheduling issues because of state testing, the Dragons will be unable to continue play in the tournament.

Gilbert tosses 3-hitter as Patriots win opener in state competition

Jesse Gilbert pitched a three-hitter as New Harlan won its opening game in pool play at the middle school state tournament on Thursday at Prestonsburg.
Gilbert struck out eight and walked one to earn the victory on the mound.
Brennan Blevins and Gilbert had doubles to lead the New Harlan offense. DaShaun Smith and Brayden Morris added singles.
New Harlan (10-2) will face Hazard on Saturday at 9 a.m. and Lawrence County at 4:15 to complete pool play. Harlan is also participating in the tournament.

Patriots win twice over Letcher teams

The New Harlan Patriots improved to 9-2 on the season with a pair of victories Saturday, 13-5 over the Letcher Eagles and 6-1 over the Letcher Central Cougars.
Brennan Blevins pitched a complete game against Letcher with seven strikeouts and three walks.
Aiden Lewis and Blevins led the New Harlan offense with four hits. DaShaun Smith had three doubles, and Grant Shelton added three singles. Jesse Gilbert added a double and single. Ethan Stewart, Colby Shepherd and Rydge Lewis had two singles each. Chance Sturgill added a double.
Gilbert was the winner in the Letcher Central game with three strikeouts and two walks.
Lewis, Gilbert, Blevins and Smith had singles.
The Patriots will play Floyd Central on Thursday in the state tournament at Prestonsburg.