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By John Henson

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Bell County won the team title at the Bob Howard Memorial Invitational on Saturday at Harlan County High School. Team members, from left, include Jacob Brannon, Landon Eldridge, Hayden Green, Reese Arno, Braydin Hickey, Nicholas Stewart, Andrew Roy and coach Jason Stewart.

Bobcats place five in top eight to win Bob Howard Memorial race

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 3, 2023
Harlan County freshman Holly Wright advanced the ball down the field in the Lady Bears 1-0 win over Bell County on Monday in the 50th District Tournament.

Middlesboro, HC advance to finals with shutout victories

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 3, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Trent Noah announced Sunday he would continue his basketball/academic career at South Carolina. Noah is pictured with his parents, Dondi and Stacy, and his sister, Emersyn.

HC’s Noah, ranked as one of nation’s top prospects in Class of 2024, picks South Carolina

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 1, 2023
Wallins Kylee Runions coasted to the basket in action against Evarts from the county tournament on Saturday.

Final four set for county tourney

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 30, 2023
Harlan County junior Peyton Lunsford (front) was the winner of the Bob Howard Memorial Invitational on Saturday. The race was named in honor of Lunsfords grandfather.

HC’s Lunsford wins race named in honor of her grandfather

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 30, 2023
Harlan running back Darius Akal broke free for one of his two touchdowns on Friday against Middlesboro. Akal ran for 202 yards in the Dragons 40-24 loss.

Jackets overcome defensive woes to claim district victory

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 30, 2023
The Rosspoint Lady Cats captured their fourth straight fifth- and sixth-grade county championship with a 40-15 win Thursday over Cawood. Team members include, from left, front row: Natalie Creech, Paislee Boggs, Annie Burton, Zoey Reed, Andrea Napier, KenLee Blevins and McKenzie Adams; back row: coach Johnny Simpson, Abigail Collins, Madi Woods, Taylynn Napier, Barbara Osborne, Brooklyn Daniels, Crissalynn Jones, Aaliyah Webb, Morgyn Belcher, assistant coach Randy Daniels and bookkeeper Kim Hensley.

Lady Cats extend county title streak with win over Cawood

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 28, 2023
Harlan Countys Kalista Dunn hit the ball over the outstretched arms of Harlans Annie Hoskins in Tuesdays district clash. The Lady Bears won in three sets to improve to 13-6 on the season.

Lady Bears take second seed with victory over Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 26, 2023
Cawood center Jocelyn Miracle put up a shot in the Lady Comets win over Cumberland on Saturday in the fifth- and sixth-grade county tournament.

Favorites advance in opening round of county tournament

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 23, 2023
Harlan Countys Kalista Dunn pounded home a point over the hands of Middlesboros Leah Spencer on Thursday in the Lady Bears three-set victory.

HCHS sweeps past Middlesboro

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 21, 2023
Garrison Warren

Warren earns spot in state golf tourney after fifth-place finish

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 20, 2023
Bell County senior Gracie Jo Wilder slammed home one of her kills on Tuesday in the Lady Cats three-set win at Harlan County. The Lady Cats improved to 20-6 win the win and clinched the top seed in the 52nd District Tournament.

Lady Cats lock up district’s top seed with victory at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 19, 2023
Harlan County defensive back/receiver Luke Kelly moved in for a tackle earlier this season. Kelly had a 90-yard touchdown catch and added an interception on Friday, but it wasnt enough for the Bears in a 44-20 loss.

Big plays not enough to rescue Black Bears in loss to Lawrence

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 15, 2023
Leslie County quarterback Landry Collett stretched the ball out as he neared the goal line just before Harlan defensive back Tayquan Vick forced a fumble in Fridays game. Collett scored two touchdowns in the Eagles 25-8 win.

Maggard helps Eagles overcome turnovers in victory at Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 9, 2023
Harlan County junior Ray Splawn set a school record for career goals when he scored Thursday in the Bears 4-3 win over visiting Buckhorn.

Splawn sets record in Bears’ victory over Buckhorn

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 8, 2023
Harlan County sophomore Hunter Napier returned a kick in Fridays game against Whitley County. The visiting Colonels rolled to a 34-0 victory.

Whitley dominates as Bears’ ground game grinds to halt

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 1, 2023
Harlan County sophomore Kylee Hoiska sent the ball back over the net against Harlans Mallory McNiel and Taylor Hall in district action Thursday. The Lady Bears won 25-10, 25-14, 25-8.

Lady Bears bounce back with district sweep at Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 31, 2023
Harlan County running back Brayden Morris ran for 368 yards and seven touchdowns in the Bears 54-34 win Saturday over visiting Whitley County.

Morris scores 7 TDs, 48 points as Black Bears overpower Whitley

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 27, 2023
Clay County senior quarterback Tate Rice threw for four touchdowns and 227 yards while completing 13 of 16 passes as the Tigers won 46-6 at Harlan on Friday.

Rice sizzles on stormy night as Clay coasts past Green Dragons

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 26, 2023
Harlan County running back Sam Carr went 50 yards for a touchdown in the Bears 36-0 rout of McCreary Central in the Bill Ellis Memorial Bowl on Saturday.

Bears celebrate Bill Ellis Memorial Bowl with victory over McCreary Central

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 20, 2023
Middlesboro running back Vincent Smith battled to break free from Harlan County linebacker Carter Howard in Saturdays Elevation Bowl.

Grigsby runs for one TD, passes for another as Jackets outlast HCHS in Elevation Bowl

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 20, 2023
Harlan senior quarterback Donovan Montanaro prepared to hand the ball off in Fridays game at Hancock County, Tenn. Montanaro scored three touchdowns in the Dragons 46-6 victory.

Dragons rout Hancock in a season-opening game despite penalties, ejections

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 19, 2023
Senior receiver Jonah Swanner led Harlan County in receiving yardage and was second in rushing last season.

Swanner’s athleticism, versatility ignite Black Bears’ attack

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 16, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Jaxon Hurt, Zach Musick, Colby Shepherd, Caden Davidson, Ashton Anderson, Jayce Brown, Chance Sturgill, Thomas Jordan, Kayden Adams, Gage Bailey, Rhyland Thomas, Braxton Cornett, Darren Alred, Christopher Johnson, Allen Roark, Malaki Browning, Jordison Jackson and Landon Saylor; middle row: Maverick Morgan, Brody Hensley, Dalton Ledford, Hayden Maggard, Isaiah Cornett, Ryan Coots, Dylan Clem, David Barger, Dallas Sergent, Brayden Clay, Sawyer Harris, Randy Dean, James Ryan Howard, Jonah Swanner, Luke Kelly, Brayden Howard, Bryan Howard, Hunter Napier and Aaron Johnson; back row: Toby Webb, Landon Cook, Blake Short, Bradley Henson, Shemar Carr, Jacob Sage, Jonathon Sergent, Dalton Bray, Cooper Blevins, Lee Senters, Bo Eldridge, Jared Rhymer, Peyton Jackson, Ethan Rhymer, Will Cassim, Carter Howard, Mason Beach and Jacob Shoemaker; not pictured: Travis Burkhart.

Senior-dominated HCHS squad ready to build on last season’s improvement

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 13, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Malachi Rodriguez, Connor Witt, Hayden Hall, Hunter Clem, Trenton Childers, Peyton Thompson, Matthew Nunez, Donovan Clark and Jordan Rodriguez; middle row: Jeremiah Madden, Donovan Montanaro, Noah Kirby, Nate Montanaro, Darius Akal, Kameron Witt, Connor Daniels, Caden Mefford, Boss Bryson, Dylan Cox, Harlan Marietta, Nathan Cochran and Brody Brackett; back row: Gunnar Middleton, Sedrick Washington, Jonah Sharp, Jaxson Perry, Caiden Jackson, Tayquan Vick, Elijah Caudill, Eden Caudill, Brayden Doan, Noah McMillan, Shaun Burnette, Caiden Baker and Charlie Honeycutt.

Green Dragons striving to build on last year’s breakthrough season

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 13, 2023
Evarts Audrianna Stewart was trapped by Rosspoint guards Jaylee Cochran and Reagan Clem in action from the Harlan County Black Bears Panorama on Saturday. Cochran and Clem led the Lady Cats to a pair of victories.

Rosspoint, Cawood, Wallins are winners in Harlan County Black Bears Panorama

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 12, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Will Cassim, a four-year starter for the Bears, blocked for running back James Ryan Howrd in action last season against Whitley County.

Cassim expected to play big role in Black Bears’ success this fall

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 11, 2023
The Harlan County High School golf team includes Cole Cornett, Brayden Casolari, Mason Himes and Sebastian Mosley.

Bears looking for a repeat as conference champs in Rutherford’s first season

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 9, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Ashton Evans, Lesleigh Brown, Destiny Cornett, Kalista Dunn and manager Landen Spurlock; back row: coaches Gregory York and Cathy York, Rileigh Duff, Karli Shoupe, Kylee Hoiska, Savannah Hill and coaches Christina Jones and Dianna Blanton.

Coming off first district title in eight years, surging Lady Bears looking for a repeat

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 8, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Carly Jump, Kaylee Roark, Taylor Hall, Mallory McNiel, Tess Bryson, Kendyll Blanton and Halle Cox; back row: coach Shawna Cox, assistant coach Haven Saylor, Daria Lee, Kenzie Shepherd, Laynee Perkins, Annie Hoskins, Ava Nunez, Candece Goodie, Nashayla Harris, Shaedyn Crow and assistant coaches Heather Maples and Hannah Jones; not pictured: Kamryn Blanton and Sara Kate Fisher.

Senior-dominated Harlan squad accepting ‘no excuses’ going into 2023 season

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 7, 2023
Harlan County running back Bryan Howard scored a touchdown for the Bears in a 14-6 scrimmage win Friday over Knox Central.

Black Bears claim scrimmage victory over Knox Central

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 4, 2023
Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe and the schools cross country/track programs are moving from Region 5 to Region 7 in 2A.

HCHS cross country/track programs moving from Region 5 to Region 7

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 20, 2023
Thomas Jordan ran for 1,044 yards last season to lead the Black Bears.

Jordan looking forward to another season of leading Black Bears’ ground game

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 20, 2023
Trenton Childers (left) and Peyton Thompson are back to lead Harlans offensive line after helping the Green Dragons gain over 2,900 yards on the ground in compiling an 8-4 mark.

Guard duo played big role in Green Dragons’ success last fall

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 19, 2023
Harlan quarterback Donovan Montanaro followed a block from Matthew Nunez in a win last season over Unaka, Tenn.

Montanaro ready to take next step in second season as Dragons’ quarterback

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 15, 2023
Carter Howard

Bears counting on Howard to be a playmaker on HC defense

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 14, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Trent Noah and the Black Bears will make their first appearance in the prestigious Arbys Classic in Bristol, Tenn., in December. The tournament will also feature teams from New York, Washington D.C., Ohio, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee and the Bahamas.

Arby’s Classic field will include Black Bears

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 7, 2023
Seth Johnson was the winning pitcher and pounded out three hits Monday to lead the Harlan All-Stars to a 16-5 win over Knox County to earn a spot in the final four of the DIstrict 4 Tournament.

Harlan capitalizes on walks to rally past Knox and earn berth in district’s final four

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 3, 2023
Harlan coach Sam Jenkins talked to catcher Logan Mills during District 4 Tournament action Sunday in Barbourville. Harlan will play Leslie County for second place and a berth in the district final four on Monday after falling to Hazard 7-0 on Sunday.

Hazard/Perry shuts out Harlan in east division tournament finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 2, 2023
Harlan All-Stars coach Steven Johnson talked with Landen Spurlock after his two-run triple on Friday in the District 4 Tournament. Spurlock drove in four runs on two hits to help Harlan post a 15-1 win.

Harlan All Stars roll into tourney finals with rout of Knox

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 30, 2023
Harlan freshman guard Trenton Cole scored 16 points to lead the Green Dragons in a 46-45 loss to Jenkins in a summer tournament at Leslie County.

Dragons fall to Jenkins, Menifee in Leslie summer tournament

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 22, 2023
Harlan County senior Faith Hoskins drove around a Johnson Central defender in scrimmage action Wednesday.

Strong defense carries Lady Eagles to scrimmage win at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 21, 2023
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff worked against North Laurels Reece Davidson in action from the KABC Titans Titans Shootout on Saturday. Huff scored 24 points in the Bears 73-55 victory.

Bears roll past North in 13th Region showdown at KABC Shootout

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 17, 2023
Harlan County junior center Jaycee Carter worked to the basket for two of his 18 points in the Bears 78-62 victory.

Bears use 18-0 run to knock off Louisville opponent

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 17, 2023
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff worked against the Louisville Eastern defense in action from the KABC Titans Shootout in Shelbyville. Huff scored 11 points in a 47-44 overtime loss to Eastern and added 10 in a 66-25 victory over Henry Clay.

Bears split against big-city opponents in KABC tourney

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 16, 2023
Harlan County guard Trent Noah hit nine 3-pointers in a 43-point effort as the Bears downed Hazard 75-63 on Tuesday.

Noah scores 43 as Black Bears down Hazard to complete sweep

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 13, 2023
Harlan senior guard Kyler McLendon converted two of the 40 points he scored Friday in a 78-59 scrimmage loss to Clay County.

Dragons fall to Clay, Corbin in summer hoops action

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 12, 2023
Harlan County sophomore forward Whitley Teague blocked a shot in scrimmage action Monday against visiting Barbourville. The Lady Bears won 47-24.

Lady Bears roll past Barbourville in summer scrimmage

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 12, 2023
Harlan Countys Jaycee Carter, pictured in action earlier this summer, had a big day on Friday at Perry Central as the Bears downed Whitley County and Perry Central. Carter scored 15 against the Colonels and 26 against the Commodores.

Harlan County bounces back with wins over Whitley, Perry

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 9, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Ella Karst scored 27 points Wednesday in the Lady Bears 38-33 win at Leslie County.

Karst sparks comeback as Lady Bears edge Leslie in summer scrimmage

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 7, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Trent Noah raced past Corbins Noah Cima in scrimmage action Tuesday. Noah scored 21 points in a 72-64 win over Corbin and 34 points in a 93-64 victory over Barbourville.

Bears close with 10-0 run to edge Corbin in summer showdown

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 6, 2023
Harlan County junior point guard Maddox Huff set up the Bears offense in scrimmage action Monday against Knott Central. Huff hit five 3-pointers and scored 18 points in the Bears 77-47 win.

Noah, Huff lead Bears in rolling past Knott

By John Henson, M
June 5, 2023
Harlan sophomore guard Connor Daniels worked against a Somerset Christian defender in scrimmage action Thursday at Barbourville. Daniels scored 15 points in Harlans 64-62 win, then added 27 in a loss to Barbourville.

Dragons split opening summer scrimmages at Barbourville

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 1, 2023
Harlan Countys Trent Noah will play in the Kentucky All Stars 2023 Juniors vs Seniors Game on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Louisville Eastern High School.

Harlan County’s Noah to play in Kentucky All Stars Junior vs Senior Game

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 1, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Trent Noah sailed to the hoop for one of several dunks in scrimmage action Wednesday against South Laurel. Noah scored 29 points in the Bears 68-66 victory, then added 16 in a 96-42 win over Knox Central.

Bears edge South Laurel, rout Knox in summer scrimmages

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 31, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Trent Noah worked around a Perry Central defender in scrimmage action Tuesday. Noah scored 30 points in the Bears 83-68 victory.

Bears open summer slate with wins over 14th Region favorites

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 31, 2023
Tiffany Hamm-Rowe has stepped down after six years as head coach of the Harlan girls basketball program.

Hamm-Rowe resigns after six-year run as coach of Harlan girls basketball program

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 30, 2023
Harlan Countys Lindsay Hall and Abigail Gaw advanced through two rounds of the 13th Region Tennis Tournament in doubles competition before falling in the quarterfinals.

HCHS closes season with strong showing at regional

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 22, 2023
Harlan County High School senior Connor Blevins recently signed with the University of Virginia-Wise to join the school’s track program. Those pictured with Blevins at the signing include, from left, front row: Diane Frazier, Morgan Grace, Scotty Howard, Chandra Howard, Hunter Blevins and Tim Frazier; back row: Harlan County High School athletic director Eugene Farmer, HCHS Principal Kathy Napier and HCHS track coach Ryan Vitatoe.

Blevins ready for challenge as he joins new track program at UVA Wise

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 19, 2023
Middlesboro captured its seventh straight 52nd DIstrict Tournament title with a 10-9 win Wednesday over Harlan County.

Jackets rally past HCHS for seventh straight 52nd District title

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 17, 2023
Middlesboros Conner Winterberger celebrated after his sixth-inning home run Monday put the Jackets ahead to stay in their 6-3 win over Harlan.

Jackets defeat Harlan to earn spot in 52nd District finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 16, 2023
Harlan Countys Jonah Swanner had two hits and made the defensive play of the game in throwing out a Bell County runner at the plate in the Bears 6-3 victory on Monday in the first round of the 52nd District Tournament.

Bears overcome early deficit to knock off Bell, advance to 52nd District finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 16, 2023
Harlan Countys Rylie Maggard stole second base during Thursdays game against Leslie County. The Lady Bears won 7-2.

Lady Bears close home schedule with victory over Leslie County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 11, 2023
WIlliamsburg second baseman Drew Damron took the throw as Harlan Countys Isaac Kelly stole second in Thursdays game. Harlan County rallied for a 6-3 victory.

Four-run sixth lifts Bears to comeback win over Williamsburg

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 11, 2023
Harlan County senior pitcher Karsten Dixon signed with Alice Lloyd College on Monday to continue his academic/athletic career. Pictured with Dixon are, from left, front row: Lenora Dixon, Melvin Dixon and Alice Lloyd coach Scott Cornett; back row: Jerry Edwards, Harlan County coach Scott Bailey, Wilma Fields, HCHS Principal Kathy Napier and trainer Chad Longworth.

Strong senior season helps Dixon move on to next level at Alice Lloyd

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 9, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Daniel Carmical signed with Alice Lloyd College on Monday to continue his academic/athletic career. Pictured with Carmical are, from left, front row: Carma Carmical, Stewart Carmical and Alice Lloyd coach Scott Cornett; back row: Jerry Edwards, Seth Carmical, Mike Farley, Donna Farley, Susan Farley, HCHS Principal Kathy Napier and Harlan County coaches Kyle Jones and Gary Greer.

Carmical moving on to Alice Lloyd after stellar prep career at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 8, 2023
Harlan graduate Will Varner won a gold glove award in the Appalachian Athletic Conference for his stellar defensive play at Johnson University in Knoxville. Varner also led the league and set a school record in stolen bases.

Varner, former Harlan star, wins Appalachian Athletic Conference gold glove award

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 7, 2023
Harlan County’s Madison Blair pitched a five-hitter Thursday as the Lady Bears edged visiting Clay County 4-3.

Pitching, defense carry Lady Bears past Clay

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 4, 2023
Bob Howard is pictured with his grandaughters Peyton Lunsford and Taylor Lunsford

From The Sidelines: Miner and educator, artist and coach, Howard touched thousands of lives

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 3, 2023
Harlan Countys Jenna WIlson knocked down a throw as Middlesboros Kylee Lawson took second in Tuesdays district clash. The Lady Bears scored six runs in the seventh inning to rally for an 8-7 win.

Raleigh’s hit caps comeback in Lady Bears’ walk-off win over Middlesboro

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 2, 2023
Letcher Central second baseman Mason Boggs took a throw as Isaac Kelly stole second in Mondays game. The visiting Cougars coasted to a 12-0 win.

Little’s 1-hitter sends Letcher to victory at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 1, 2023
Harlan senior forward Jaedyn Gist signed with Berea College earlier this week to continue his academic and basketball careers. Pictured with Gist are, from left, front row: Talae Taylor, James Gist, Gist, Mary Wilson and Sedrick Washington; back row: Harlan High School Principal Britt Lawson, Harlan coach Derrick Akal and Harlan assistant coach Jeremy Williams.

Gist hopes to have same impact on Berea program as he did with Dragons

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 28, 2023
Harlan Countys Gunner Burkhart beat the tag of Middlesboro catcher Colt Bayless for a run in the fifth inning of the Bears 7-2 victory on Monday.

Bears clinch top seed with victory over Middlesboro

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 24, 2023
Harlan County senior outfielder Halle Raleigh, pictured in action earlier this season, came up with game-tying hit Monday in the Lady Bears 2-1 win over visiting Cumberland Gap, Tenn.

Lady Bears rally for victory over Cumberland Gap

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 24, 2023
Harlan third baseman Ella Lisenbee, pictured in action earlier this season, hit a pair of two-run homers on Thursday in the Lady Dragons 9-8 loss to visiting Bell County.

Bell capitalizes on late Harlan meltdown to rally for win

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 20, 2023
Harlan Countys Jonah Swanner slid into third base as Harlans Jake Brewer attempted to scoop the throw. The Bears claimed a 9-8 win in 12 innings for their fifth-straight victory.

Black Bears edge Harlan in 12-inning marathon as Dixon earns win

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 18, 2023
Harlans Jaedyn Gist slid into third base ahead of the throw to Harlan Countys Samuel Henson after his RBI single in the fifth inning. The Black Bears improved to 3-0 in district action with a 7-2 victory.

Kelly, Swanner each have 3-hit nights as Black Bears win at Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 17, 2023
East Ridge second baseman Dylan Burdine took a throw as Harlan Countys Tristan Cooper slid into second base. Cooper pitched two shutout innings as the Bears rallied for an 11-10 victory.

Bears use five-run sixth to rally for victory over East Ridge

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 15, 2023
Harlan seniors Will Austin and Jayden Ward signed to continue their football and academic careers with Union College.

Luttrell adds two more Dragons to Union College football roster

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 15, 2023
Harlan Countys Josalyn Lee slid into second base with a steal in the first inning of a district clash Thursday against Bell County. The Lady Cats ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory.

Lady Bears’ bats go silent in district loss to Bell

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 13, 2023
Harlan Countys Halanah Shepherd slid home to complete an inside-the-park homer on Monday in the Lady Bears 17-0 win over visiting Barbourville. Shepherd pitched a no-hitter and drove in six runs.

Shepherd tosses no-hitter, drives in six as Lady Bears pound Barbourville

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 10, 2023
Harlan County first baseman Brayden Blakley tagged Bell Countys Alex Creech as he made his way back to the bag in Mondays district game. Blakley had two hits and reached base all four times he came to the plate in the Bears 12-4 victory.

Bears overcome slow start to knock off Bell in district opener

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 10, 2023
Harlan first baseman Abbi Fields connected on a pitch in Thursdays district clash against Middlesboro. Fields hit her second home run of the season with a two-run blast in the sixth inning of an 18-8 loss.

Lady Jackets pull away for district victory at Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 30, 2023
John D. Wilson, who died earlier this week, was a Hall of Fame selection at both the University of the Cumberland and the Kentucky High School Athletic Assocation, in addition to the 13th Region Basketball Hall of Fame.

Even though he was a Hall of Fame coach, Wilson taught his students more about life than basketball

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 22, 2023
Harlan County junior outfielder Rylie Maggard had two doubles and drove in three runs to lead the Lady Bears in an 8-5 victory Tuesday over visiting Whitley County.

Lady Bears run record to 4-0 with victory over Whitley

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 22, 2023
Harlan County sophomore Alex Creech, pictured in action Monday against Leslie County, pitched a complete game Tuesday with 12 strikeouts as the Black Bears downed Thomas Walker, Va., 9-4.

Creech fans 12 as Bears improve to 3-0 with victory over Thomas Walker

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 21, 2023
Harlan County third baseman Samuel Henson tagged Leslie Countys Caden Shepherd to complete a triple play in the second inning of Mondays game. The Black Bears improved to 2-0 with a 10-3 win.

Black Bears turn three on the way to victory over Leslie

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 20, 2023
Hailey Austin slid safely into third base during Harlan Countys win over Knox Central on Monday. Austin drove in three runs with three singles as HCHS improved to 3-0.

Lady Bears answer Knox’s rally with final eight runs in victory

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 20, 2023
John D. WIlson (left) was honored as a member of the 13th Region Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Wilson left a legacy of success in over a half century of coaching

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 20, 2023
Harlan County guard Trent Noah worked to the basket during the WYMT Mountain Classic. Noahs Black Bears are the early favorite in the race for next years 13th Region Tournament title.

From The Sidelines: HCHS edges Corbin, North for top spot in 2024 boys basketball rankings

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 19, 2023
Breathitt County sophomore guard Austin Sperry, the 14th Regions top-rated player, went for a block in state tournament action Thursday against Male. Both Harlan County and Harlan defeated Breathitt County this season and posted a combined 6-4 record against the state tournament field by playing nine of the 16 teams.

From The Sidelines: Bears, Dragons played 10 games against Sweet Sixteen teams during special season

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 17, 2023
Harlan linebacker R.W. Sanford signed Wednesday to continue his football career at Union College. Sanford is pictured with his farther, Robert Sanford Jr., along with Union coaches J.B. Donahue and John Luttrell and Harlan coach Eric Perry,.

Sanford to continue football career at Union College

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 16, 2023
Team members include, from left: Eli Freyer, Brayden Doan, Luke Luttrell, Jake Brewer, Jae’dyn Gist, Brody Owens, Jared Moore, Chris Rouse, Cameren Maples, Ethan Farley, Nate Montanaro, Gunnar Snelling, Matthew Nunez, Aiden Johnson, Donovan Montanaro, Kirk Brown and Baylor Varner.

Freyer “starting over” in second year as Green Dragons are working to rebuild on the run

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 14, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Carson Clark, Aiden Lewis, Colston Boggs, Joseph Hoskins, Kayden Hensley, Tyler Lunsford and Chance Sturgill; middle row: Deshaun Smith, Isaac Kelly, Aiden Craig, Brennan Blevins, Samuel Henson, Tucker Hatmaker, Josh Duckworth and Jace Capps; back row: Rydge Lewis, Alex Creech, Kaden Boggs, Braydon Burton, Brayden Blakley, Tristan Cooper, Karsten Dixon, Will Cassim, Gunnar Johnson, Gunner Burkhart and coach Scotty Bailey.

Bailey’s Bears hope to pick up where they left off last spring with veteran squad returning

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 13, 2023
Corbin guard Kallie Housley worked toward the basket in 13th Region Tournament action. Housley and the Lady Hounds will be among the favorites to win the region in 2024.

From The Sidelines: Corbin, Laurels lead strong field of teams in race for 2024 13th Region title

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 12, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Kendall Brock, Taylor Clem, Lola Maggard, Bethany Robbins, Madison Blair, Aviya Halcomb, Akira Lee, Rylie Maggard and Braylen Gilley; back row: Allie Kelly, Halanah Shepherd, Jenna Wilson, Hailey Austin, Halle Raleigh, Josalyn Lee, Hannah Raleigh, Lesleigh Brown, Jade Burton and Brittleigh Estep; not pictured: Lindsey Skidmore, D’anna Cook, Aly Sherman and Alexis Adams.

Lady Bears expect to bounce back after struggling through a rebuilding 2022 campaign

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 12, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Emily Lane, Ella Farley, Ella Lisenbee, Carley Thomas, Amy Roman and Karrie Gregg; back row: Ava Nunez, Emma Nolan, Kendyll Blanton, Abbi Fields, Annie Hoskins, Aly Kirby, Mallory McNeil and Addison Jackson.

Buoyed by strong postseason performance, Lady Dragons appear poised for breakout season this spring

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 11, 2023
Work is expected to begin this fall on U.S. 421 at Cranks to eliminate a dangerous curve leading to the Virginia state line. State transportation officials have confirmed that $27 million has been approved to reconstruct 1.5 miles of the road.

Construction could begin by late October on 1.5-mile section of U.S. 421 at Cranks

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 9, 2023
North Laurel senior forward Ryan Davidson drove South Laurels Jordan Mabe in 13th Region Tournament action on Saturday.

Corbin, North roll into regional finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 5, 2023
Jackson Countys Abby Gilbert (left) and Kena Ward congratulated each other in the closing minutes of the Lady Generals 63-43 upset of Corbin in the 13th Region Tournament semifinals on Saturday afternoon.

Jackson shocks Corbin, advances to matchup with North in regional finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 4, 2023
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