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John Henson

John Henson, Managing Editor

John Henson has covered sports since 1985 for the Harlan Daily Enterprise, the Cats Pause and harlancountysports.com, winning numerous Kentucky Press Association awards during that time. He also served as managing editor for 15 years and now teaches writing at Harlan County High School as part of the Gear Up program.

All content by John Henson
Harlan County basketball players received an enthusiastic sendoff to the state tournament on Tuesday as they walked along the track at the HCHS gym before leaving for Lexington.

[PHOTO] Black Bears leave for Rupp

March 19, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Gavvin Lloyd, Braxton Bowen, Colston Boggs, Kaden Adams, Colby shepherd, Isaac Kelly, DaShuan Smith, Aiden Craig, Zayden Casolari, Jesse Gilbert and Carson Clark; back row: Hayden Cornett, Ethan Stewart, Ethan Skroch, Josh Duckworth, Samuel Henson, Rydge Lewis, Tristan Cooper, Alex Creech, Gunner Burkhart and Jonah Swanner.

[PHOTO] Bears determined to end district drought with veteran squad

March 25, 2024
The Bell County Lady Cats captured their fifth straight 52nd District Tournament title Thursday with a 60-54 win over Harlan. Cumberland holds the record with six straight titles from 1989 to 1994. Harlan and Cawood also won five straight titles.

[PHOTO] Lady Cats extend 52nd District Tournament title streak to five

February 29, 2024
Harlan Countys Kyle Jones has been named the coach of the year in the 13th Region by the KABC after leading the Black Bears to a 26-4 record in the regular season.

[PHOTO] Harlan County's Jones named 13th Region's coach of the year

February 23, 2024
Harlan junior guard Aymanni Wynn, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 24 points on Tuesday to lead the Lady Dragons to a 71-46 win over visiting Barbourville.

[PHOTO] Wynn, Noe, Owens team for 65 points in win over Barbourville

February 21, 2024
Harlan County guard Trent Noah received the game ball from HCHS coach Kyle Jones after breaking the county scoring record.

[PHOTO] Noah breaks Thomas’ county scoring record with 38-point night against Boyd

By John Henson, Managing Editor
February 17, 2024
Harlan County coach Anthony Nolan reached the 200-win mark on Monday as the Lady Bears defeated Barbourville. Nolan is in his 10th season as coach at HCHS.

[PHOTO] Nolan reaches 200-win mark

February 13, 2024
Middlesboro guard Jerimah Beck worked around a Wayne County defender during the Jackets 69-64 loss Saturday.

[PHOTO] Yellow Jackets suffer another heartbreaker with loss to Wayne

By John Henson, Managing Editor
February 10, 2024
Wayne County coach Rodney Woods talked to his team during a timeout in Saturdays game at Middlesboro. Woods, a Lone Jack graduate who played at the University of Tennessee in the 1970s, has won over 800 games in his 44-year coaching career.

[PHOTO] Kentucky prep coaching legend back home for games at MHS

February 10, 2024
Wayne County coach Rodney Woods talked to his team during a timeout in Saturdays game at Middlesboro. Woods, a Lone Jack graduate who played at the University of Tennessee in the 1970s, has won over 800 games in his 44-year coaching career.

[PHOTO]

The Cawood Comets are pictured with the championship trophy after their thrilling 48-47 win Thursday over James A. Cawood in the seventh- and eighth-grade finals at Harlan County High School.

[PHOTO] Comets edge Trojans in epic county championship clash

January 25, 2024
The Cawood Comets are pictured with the championship trophy after their thrilling 48-47 win Thursday over James A. Cawood in the seventh- and eighth-grade finals at Harlan County High School.

[PHOTO] Comets edge Trojans in epic county championship clash

By John Henson, Managing Editor
January 25, 2024
Cole Cornett and the Harlan County Black Bears swept a doubleheader last week against Bell County.

[PHOTO] HCHS sweeps Bell in junior varsity/freshman doubleheader

January 15, 2024
Evarts Rayce Bryant put up a shot in fifth- and sixth-grade tournament action Saturday. Rosspoint defeated Wallins and James A. Cawood downed Evarts in semifinal action Monday and will meet Thursday in the county finals.

[PHOTO] Rosspoint, JACES will meet in 5-6 county championship game

January 9, 2024
James A. Cawoods Logan Mills went up for a shot during the Trojans 46-5 win over Cumberland in the fifth- and sixth-grade county tournament on Saturday.

[PHOTO] Favorites advance in county grade school tournament

January 7, 2024
James A. Cawoods Logan Mills went up for a shot during the Trojans 46-5 win over Cumberland in the fifth- and sixth-grade county tournament on Saturday.

[PHOTO] Favorites advance in county grade school tournament

January 7, 2024
Harlan County guard Trent Noah prepared to make a pass in Saturdays game against North Laurel. Noah had 30 points and 12 rebounds as the Bears improved to 15-2 with a 65-58 victory.

[PHOTO] Noah rescues Bears as they rally for victory over North Laurel

January 6, 2024
Harlan County guard Trent Noah prepared to make a pass in Saturdays game against North Laurel. Noah had 30 points and 12 rebounds as the Bears improved to 15-2 with a 65-58 victory.

[PHOTO] Noah rescues Bears as they rally for victory over North Laurel

By John Henson, Managing Editor
January 6, 2024
Harlan County freshman forward Bryson Bryant passed the ball in junior varsity action Wednesday against Leslie County. Bryant scored eight points in the Bears 65-51 victory.

[PHOTO] Black Bears sweep Leslie County in freshman/JV doubleheader

January 3, 2024
Harlan County freshman forward Bryson Bryant passed the ball in junior varsity action Wednesday against Leslie County. Bryant scored eight points in the Bears 65-51 victory.

[PHOTO] Black Bears sweep Leslie County in freshman/JV doubleheader

By John Henson, Managing Editor
January 3, 2024
Evarts Dakota Maggard, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 19 points Tuesday in the Wildcats 50-41 overtime victory at James A. Cawood.

[PHOTO] LOCAL SPORTS

January 3, 2024
Harlan junior guard Aymanni Wynn, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 23 points on Tuesday in the Lady Dragons 71-47 win at Barbourville.

[PHOTO] Lady Dragons take control early in victory over Barbourville

January 2, 2024
Bell County senior forward Gracie Jo Wilder, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 93 points over three games in the Carolina Invitational.

[PHOTO] Wilder leads Lady Cats to two wins in Carolina Invitational

December 31, 2023
Harlan County coach Anthony Nolan, pictured talking to his team in last weeks win over Lynn Camp, earned his 400th coaching victory on Thursday in the Lady Bears win over Providence Academy, Tenn.

[PHOTO]

Bell County senior forward Gracie Jo Wilder worked her way to the basket during the Lady Cats win over Lincoln County on Thursday.

[PHOTO] Lady Cats complete tourney sweep with victories over Lynn Camp, Lincoln County

December 24, 2023
The Wynn sisters combined for 34 points on Thursday as the Harlan Lady Dragons routed Powell County 76-42. Peyshaunce Wynn (left) scored 13 and Aymanni Wynn scored 21 as the Lady Dragons improved to 5-4 on the season.

[PHOTO] Lady Dragons roll past Powell to close play in Paintsville tourney

December 23, 2023
Pineville forward Rachel Howard, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 18 points in a loss to St. Joseph, Va., and 16 in a victory over Dayton in a tournament last week at Gatlinburg, Tenn.

[PHOTO] Lady Lions win two of three in Gatlinburg

December 23, 2023
Harlan County senior forward Paige Phillips went after a loose ball in Fridays game against Lynn Camp. Phillips scored eight points, all in the first half, as HCHS won 68-23.

[PHOTO] Lady Bears score game’s first 24 points in win over Lynn Camp

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 22, 2023
Harlan County coach Anthony Nolan talked with his team during a timeout in Fridays win over Lynn Camp.

[PHOTO]

Middlesboro guard Cayden Grigsby scored a team-high 16 points in the Jackets 50-46 loss at Leslie County on Friday.

[PHOTO] Jackets suffer two hard-fought losses in Leslie tournament

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 23, 2023
Junior guard Maddox Huff, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 30 points on Thursday as Harlan County coasted past Butler County 93-74 in the King of the Bluegrass tournament in Louisville.

[PHOTO] Bears bounce back, roll past Butler in King of the Bluegrass

December 22, 2023
Rosspoints Wesley Adams put up a shot in middle school basketball action Monday at James A. Cawood. The Trojans defeated Wallins 45-11 on Tuesday.

[PHOTO] LOCAL SPORTS

December 13, 2023
Rosspoints Wesley Adams put up a shot in Mondays game at James A. Cawood.

[PHOTO]

Rosspoints Hunter Stevens looked for an opening against James A. Cawoods Danny Templeton in Mondays seventh- and eighth-grade game.

[PHOTO]

Rosspoints Carson Sanders went up for a shot in middle school basketball action Monday at James A. Cawood.

[PHOTO] LOCAL SPORTS

December 11, 2023
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff worked around Perry Centrals Tyson Neace in the WYMT Mountain Classic finals. Huff scored 13 points in the Bears 81-63 victory.

[PHOTO] Bears break WYMT drought, capture tourney title with win over Perry

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 10, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Trent Noah scored 54 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in the Bears 86-76 win Friday over Martin County in the WYMT Mountain Classic.

[PHOTO] Noah takes over in 54-point explosion as Bears down Martin, advance to finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 9, 2023
Harlan forward Kylie Noe, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 20 points on Tuesday in the Lady Dragons 70-52 loss at Leslie County.

[PHOTO] Lady Eagles take control in third quarter in win over Harlan

December 6, 2023
Harlan County junior guard Maddox Huff was honored before the Bears game Saturday against Ashland Blazer for joining the schools 1,000-point club in last years 13th Region Tournament. Huff is pictured with HCHS coach Kyle Jones.

[PHOTO] Huff joins 1,000-point club at HC

December 3, 2023
Peyshaunce Wynn (left) and Aymanni Wynn double teamed a Wayne County player in action from the Lisa Collins Classic on Saturday at South Laurel.

[PHOTO]

Mackenzie King Varner talked with her team during a timeout in her debut as coach of the Harlan Lady Dragons on Saturday against Wayne County. The Lady Dragons fell 63-60.

[PHOTO] Lady Dragons fall to Wayne in Varner’s debut as coach

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 3, 2023
Pineville sophomore forward Rachel Howard went inside for two of her 14 points on Saturday in the Lady Lions 58-39 victory.

[PHOTO] Lady Lions stay perfect on young season with convincing win over Mercer

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 2, 2023
Reggie Cottrell, Harlan County’s sophomore guard, headed toward the basket in the Bears’ season-opening win Friday at Jackson County.

[PHOTO] Bears open season by coasting past Jackson in PRTC Classic

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 2, 2023
Knox Central guard McKenzie worked against Harlan Countys Ella Karst during the Lady Panthers 66-37 win on Tuesday in Barbourville. Karst scored 24 points to lead the Lady Bears, reaching the 2,000-point mark for her career in the process.

[PHOTO] Collins rules the paint with 30-point, 21-rebound night as KC downs Lady Bears

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 29, 2023
New Harlan County football coach Jacob Saylor talked with his returning players in a meeting Tuesday at the HCHS auditorium.

[PHOTO] Saylor ready ‘to go to work’ as new HCHS football coach

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 29, 2023
Bell County guard Cameron Hall worked around a Madison Southern defender in action from the G.J. Smith Showcase on Saturday at South Laurel. Hall scored 22 points on Tuesday as the Bobcats opened the regular season with an 85-16 win over Cordia.

[PHOTO] Fast start sends Bell to blowout win over Cordia in opener

November 30, 2023
Bell Countys Braxton Ferguson looked for an opening against Madison Southern on Saturday at South Laurel in the G.J. Smith Showcase. Ferguson scored six points in the Bobcats 69-58 loss.

[PHOTO] Short-handed Bobcats fall to Madison Southern in scrimmage

November 26, 2023
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff worked around 6-foot-11 Danville Christian center Lual Ayiei for two of his 12 points in the Bears 68-41 win Saturday at South Laurel in the G.J. Smith Showcase.

[PHOTO] Bears roll past 12th Region's top team in G.J. Smith Showcase

November 26, 2023
Harlan forward Kylie Noe put up a.shot in scrimmage action Tuesday at Pineville. Noe scored nine points in the Lady Dragons’ 65-49 loss.

[PHOTO] Lady Lions triumph over Harlan in preseason scrimmage

November 22, 2023
Harlan forward Kylie Noe put up a.shot in scrimmage action Tuesday at Pineville. Noe scored nine points in the Lady Dragons’ 65-49 loss.

[PHOTO]

Harlan County junior guard Brody Napier set up the Bears offense on Saturday in the Dan Swartz Jamboree at Bath County High School. The Bears led all the way in a 76-43 victory over Bath.

[PHOTO] Black Bears coast past Bath County in season-opening Dan Swartz Jamboree

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 19, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Gunnar Johnson, Bryson Bryant, Kayden Hensley, Landon Brock, Cole Cornett, Brennan Blevins, Brady Freeman and Shemar Carr; back row: Brody Napier, Reggie Cottrell, Jaycee Carter, Trent Noah, Maddox Huff, Mason Himes, Caleb Johnson and Jonah Swanner.

[PHOTO] With Noah and Huff back to lead the way, Black Bears targeting a Sweet Sixteen run

November 16, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Abbie Elliott, Rheagan Halcomb, Addison Campbell, Emma Owens, Shelby Doan, Peyshaunce Wynn and Gracie Hensley; back row: assistant coaches Tracie Luttrell and Whitney Creech, Addison Jackson, Leah Davis, Annie Hoskins, Keauna Shepherd, Aymanni Wynn, Kaylee Clark, Kylie Noe, Raegan Goodman, assistant coach Mike King and coach Mackenzie Varner.

[PHOTO] Varner not accepting excuses as she tries to put Lady Dragons program back on top

November 16, 2023
Team members include, from left, front row: Will Shepherd, Eric Evans, Kyler McLendon, Trent Cole, Connor Daniels and coach Derrick Akal; back row: assistant coaches Jalen Akal and Aaron Simpson, Dylan Cox, Jacob Clark, Hunter Clem, Matthew Pennington, Nate Montanaro, assistant coaches Tyler Cole and Andrew Williams.

[PHOTO] Challenge to extend run of success grows for Dragons following graduation hits

November 16, 2023
Cawood guard Brady Smith, pictured in action Saturday at the Black Bears Panorama, scored 23 points on Monday in the Comets season-opening win at Wallins.

[PHOTO] LOCAL SPORTS

November 13, 2023
Evarts Dakota Maggard sailed in for a basket in action from the Black Bears Panorama on Saturday.

[PHOTO] Middle school season opens with Black Bears Panorama

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 12, 2023
Former Harlan County guard Treyce Spurlock, who was an all-region senior guard on Harlan Countys 13th Region Tournament championship team in 2017, is the new coach at Wallins. Spurlock went on to play at Morehead State. Spurlock talked with his team during a timeout on Friday in the Black Bears Panorama.

[PHOTO] Former HC standouts join coaching ranks

November 10, 2023
Cumberlands Nate Harrell worked around Cawood guard Shawn Smith in action Friday from the Black Bears Panorama.

[PHOTO] Rosspoint a big winner in panorama; Falcons, Skins, Devils are also victorious

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 10, 2023
The Bell County Lady Cats captured the 52nd District title on Tuesday after a hard-fought win over Harlan County.

[PHOTO] Bell overcomes inspired effort from Lady Bears to win 5-set thriller in district finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 17, 2023
Harlan County receiver Brady Smith broke free from a Knox County defender on the way to a touchdown in the Bears 16-14 loss in the state playoffs.

[PHOTO] Bears’ comeback falls 3 yards short in playoff loss at Knox

October 18, 2023
Harlan County receiver Brady Smith broke free from a Knox County defender on the way to a touchdown in state playoff action Saturday in Barbourville. The Bears fell 16-14

[PHOTO]

The Rosspoint Lady Cats captured the seventh- and eighth-grade county championship with a 48-41 win Thursday over Wallins at Harlan County High School. Team members, from left, include Reagan Clem, Jaylee Cochran, Kenadee Sturgill, Jaycee Simpson, Lauren Lewis, Shasta Brackett, Taylynn Napier and Aiselyn Sexton.

[PHOTO] Fast start helps send Rosspoint to second straight county title

October 5, 2023
Wallins center Addison Day went up for a shot against Black Mountains Vanessa Griffith late in Tuesdays semifinal matchup. Wallins advanced with a 41-33 victory.

[PHOTO] Rosspoint, Wallins advance to county championship game

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

[PHOTO] Noah chasing history…while working to lead Bears to Rupp Arena

November 30, 2023
Harlan County senior guard Trent Noah announced recently he would continue his basketball/academic career at South Carolina. Noah is pictured with his parents, Dondi and Stacy, and his sister, Emersyn.

[PHOTO] 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 guard Raegan Landa went in for two of her seven points in the Lady Devils win over Evarts on Saturday in the seventh- and eighth-grade county tournament.

[PHOTO]

Wallins Kylee Runions coasted to the basket in action against Evarts from the county tournament on Saturday.

[PHOTO] Final four set for county tourney

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 30, 2023
Evan Simpson (left) and Jacob Schwenke headed to the finish line on Saturday in the Bob Howard Memorial Invitational.

[PHOTO] HCHS girls win Bob Howard Memorial Invitational

October 1, 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.

[PHOTO] Lady Cats extend county title streak with win over Cawood

September 28, 2023
Cawood guard Addy Cochran drove past Cumberlands Ella Creech in tournament action Saturday. Cochran scored nine points in the Lady Comets 23-7 victory.

[PHOTO]

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.

[PHOTO] Favorites advance in opening round of county tournament

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 23, 2023
Wallins Audrey Creech put up a shot over Evarts Rylie Griffith in county tournament action Saturday.

[PHOTO]

Cawood guard Addy Cochran chased down a loose ball as Cumberlands Torrie Sundy defended in action from the fifth- and sixth-grade county tournament.

[PHOTO] Rosspoint, Cawood to meet for 5-6 grade county championship

September 26, 2023
Taylynn Napier, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 10 points on Thursday as Rosspoint clinched the countys top seed with a win at Cawood.

[PHOTO] LOCAL SPORTS

September 21, 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.

[PHOTO] HCHS sweeps past Middlesboro

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 21, 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.

[PHOTO] Splawn sets record in Bears’ victory over Buckhorn

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 8, 2023
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