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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
New Harlan County football coach Jacob Saylor worked with Rhylend Thomas during a practice session Thursday. These kids are working extremely hard, and that is all I can ask of them, Saylor said. The morale and energy have been there, and they keep wanting to learn. Saylor and the Bears open their season Aug. 24 at Middlesboro. HCHS will travel to Magoffin County on Aug. 10 for its first scrimmage.

[PHOTO] Saylor enjoying first summer camp as HC football coach

July 20, 2024
Former Middlesboro and University of Kentucky standout Brian Williams began his first summer practice session as coach of the Harlan Green Dragons recently. The Dragons have been practicing at the former Rhea Field behind the Harlan National Guard Armory as work continues on the schools football complex.

[PHOTO] Williams era begins at Harlan

July 18, 2024
Former Middlesboro and University of Kentucky standout Brian Williams began his first summer practice session as coach of the Harlan Green Dragons recently. The Dragons have been practicing at the former Rhea Field behind the Harlan National Guard Armory as work continues on the schools football complex.

[PHOTO] Williams era begins at Harlan

July 18, 2024
Gary Greer, an assistant with the Harlan County boys basketball program the past 15 years, was selected as the new head coach of the girls basketball program at HCHS on Tuesday.

[PHOTO] Greer selected as new leader of HCHS girls basketball program

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 9, 2024
Tri City pitcher Brycen Saylor threw to first baseman Dakota Smith for an out in the opening inning of the District 4 Tournament at Corbin. Tri City fell 16-0 in Mondays game and finished fourth in the tournament.

[PHOTO] Corbin coasts past Tri City Stars in final four of District 4 tourney

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 9, 2024
Harlan All Stars coach Anthony Nolan talked with his infielders during a break in District 4 Tournament action Monday. Harlan rallied with seven runs in the sixth inning to pull even before falling 8-7 to Williamsburg.

[PHOTO] Harlan’s comeback falls short as Williamsburg wins in final four

July 9, 2024
Pineville senior guard Sawyer Thompson, one of the 13th Regions top players, worked to the basket in summer basketball action earlier this month.

[PHOTO] Lions fall in consolation finals at Titans/Rockets Shootout to close a strong summer performance

June 26, 2024
Pineville senior guard Sawyer Thompson, one of the 13th Regions top players, worked to the basket in summer basketball action earlier this month.

[PHOTO] Lions fall in consolation finals at Titans/Rockets Shootout to close a strong summer performance

By Shane Shackleford, Sports Writer
June 26, 2024
The Harlan All Stars celebrated after a 9-5 win Tuesday over Knox County at Benham to earn a berth in the District 4 final four.

[PHOTO] Harlan Stars explode for 8 in 5th to rally past Knox into final four

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 25, 2024
The Harlan All Stars listened as coach Anthony Nolan provided directions in District 4 action Sunday. Harlan will play Knox County on Tuesday after an 11-1 win over Tri City.

[PHOTO] Harlan All Stars defeat Tri City to earn a showdown with Knox

June 24, 2024
Tri Citys Truett Baldwin slid home with a run after a wild pitch in District 4 East Tournament (ages 9-10) action Sunday. Tri City advanced with a 13-10 victory.

[PHOTO] Tri City, Harlan stay alive with blowout wins in District 4 action

June 23, 2024
Harlan County guard Reggie Cottrell, pictured in action earlier this summer, hit the game-winning shot in overtime as the Bears edged Martha Layne Collins 61-59 in the Titans/Rockets Shootout in Shelbyville.

[PHOTO] Cottrell’s buzzer-beater sends Bears to final 16 at tournament

June 22, 2024
Harlan County coach Kyle Jones talked to the Black Bears during a timeout earlier this summer at South Laurel. The defending 13th Region champs will close their summer schedule this weekend in Shelbyville at the Titans/Rockets Shootout.

[PHOTO] Black Bears face a final summer test in Titans/Rockets Shootout

June 20, 2024
Harlan County guard Taylynn Napier led the Lady Bears with 13 points in losses to Knott Central and Leslie County on Tuesday.

[PHOTO] Lady Bears lose to Knott, Leslie to close their summer schedule

June 20, 2024
Photo by John Henson Pineville guard Sawyer Thompson worked to the basket in summer action Tuesday. The 13-1 Lions close summer play this weekend in the Titans/Rockets Shootout.

[PHOTO] Lions edge OBI, roll past Harlan in Knox Central scrimmages

June 19, 2024
Pineville senior guard Ashton Moser poured in 33 points Tuesday as the Mountain LIons downed Cumberland Gap, Tenn., in a summer scrimmage.

[PHOTO] Moser scores 33 as Mountain Lions defeat Cumberland Gap

June 19, 2024
It was a battle of all-staters on Monday at South Laurel as Harlan Countys Maddox Huff put up a shot over Breathitt Countys Austin Sperry. The two are ranked among the states top players in the Class of 2025. Huff scored 27 points in the Bears 76-64 win.

[PHOTO] Bears down Breathitt, then fall to Pulaski in summer action

June 17, 2024
It was a battle of all-staters on Monday at South Laurel as Harlan Countys Maddox Huff put up a shot over Breathitt Countys Austin Sperry. The two are ranked among the states top players in the Class of 2025. Huff scored 27 points in the Bears 76-64 win.

[PHOTO] Bears down Breathitt, then fall to Pulaski in summer action

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 17, 2024
Harlan senior guard Aymanni Wynn worked to the basket in summer action last week. The Lady Dragons defeated opponents from Georgia and Tennessee on Monday in Morristown, Tenn.

[PHOTO] HHS rolls past two out-of-state opponents in Morristown games

June 17, 2024
Harlan County all-state guard Maddox Huff scored 13 points in the Bears 68-61 win Saturday over Fern Creek.

[PHOTO] Bears win over Mason County, Fern Creek in KBC Invitational

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 15, 2024
JH - Kyle Jones talks to Bears in Lexington at KBC

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Harlan County guard Maddox Huff shot over Great Crossings Malachi Moreno in tournament action Friday. Both players were all-state selections last year and two of the top seniors in the state.

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Trent Cole, Harlan Countys sophomore guard, worked to the basket in action against Montgomery County on Friday at Lexington Catholic.

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Harlan County center Jaycee Carter put up a shot in summer basketball action Friday.

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Harlan County guard Reggie Cottrell worked inside for two of his eight points in the Bears win over Great Crossing in the KBC tourney in Lexington.

[PHOTO] Bears split first two games in KBC tournament in Lexington

June 15, 2024
Harlan senior forward Kylie Noe worked inside for two of her 17 points in the Lady Dragons win over Leslie County.

[PHOTO] Harlan rolls past 14th Region opponents in summer games

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 13, 2024
Harlan County freshman guard Kylee Runions reached double figures in both of the Lady Bears wins Tuesday in summer basketball action.

[PHOTO] Lady Bears win three of three in summer scrimmages at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 11, 2024
Middlesboro guard Keevi Betts led a fast break in a summer scrimmage Tuesday at Harlan County High School against Williamsburg. Betts scored six points in a 45-7 victory.

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Harlan County guard Taylynn Napier knocked the ball away from a Williamsburg player in scrimmage action. Napier scored 16 points in the Lady Bears win Friday over Lynn Camp.

[PHOTO] Lady Bears claim two wins in scrimmages at Williamsburg

June 16, 2024
Hayden Grace, pictured in action earlier this summer, scored 21 points Friday as Harlan County rolled to a win over Clinton County in a freshman scrimmage.

[PHOTO] HCHS frosh coast past Clinton

June 8, 2024
Harlans Kobe Noe worked around a Somerset defender in scrimmage action Friday, Noe scored 14 points in the Dragons 72-44 loss.

[PHOTO] Whitley, Somerset coast past rebuilding Dragons at South

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 7, 2024
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff scored 22 points against Clinton County then 28 against Madixon Central in summer scrimmages Friday at South Laurel.

[PHOTO] HCHS claims summer wins over Clinton County, Madison Central

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 7, 2024
Senior guard Maddox Huff, pictured in action earlier this summer, scored 25 points against Clay County and 29 against Metcalfe County in two HCHS wins Wednesday.

[PHOTO] Bears defeat Clay, Metcalfe in a pair of summer scrimmages

June 5, 2024
Harlan County center Jaycee Carter hit a 3- pointer in the Bears 81-37 summer scrimmage win over Betsy Layne on Monday.

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Harlan County senior guard Brody Napier scored 13 points in the Bears summer scrimmmage win at Knott Central.

[PHOTO] Black Bears coast past Knott, Betsy Layne in summer hoops

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 4, 2024
Harlan County senior guard Maddox Huff scored 32 points against Perry Central and 25 against Hazard as the Bears opened their summer schedule Thursday at Hazard.

[PHOTO] Black Bears open summer slate by splitting Hazard scrimmages

June 1, 2024
JH - Hayden Grace vs Perry

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JH - Trent Cole at Hazard

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Harlan County senior guard Maddox Huff scored 32 points against Perry Central and 25 against Hazard as the Bears opened their summer schedule Thursday at Hazard.

[PHOTO] Black Bears open summer slate by splitting Hazard scrimmages

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 1, 2024
JH - Maddox Huff drive vs Perry

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Harlan County senior Paige Phillips with the University of Virginia-Wise to continue her athletic and academic career. Pictured with Phillips are, from left, front row: and Jerry Phillips; back row: assistant coach Abby Vitatoe, coach Ryan Vitatoe, HCHS Principal Kathy Napier and athletic director Eugene Farmer.

[PHOTO] Phillips moving on to UVA-Wise after record-setting career at HC

May 28, 2024
Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley was at Harlan County High School on Friday to declare May 31 as Trent Noah Day. Noah will be signing autographs from 6-8 p.m. during the Poke Sallet Festival. He will also be recognized on the bicentennial stage at the festival. Noah, who signed with the University of Kentucky earlier this month, is the all-time leading scorer in Halran County history and helped lead the Bears to this years state finals.

[PHOTO] 'Trent Noah Day' set for May 31 during the Poke Sallet Festival

May 24, 2024
Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley was at Harlan County High School on Friday to declare May 31 as Trent Noah Day. Noah will be signing autographs from 6-8 p.m. during the Poke Sallet Festival. He will also be recognized on the bicentennial stage at the festival. Noah, who signed with the University of Kentucky earlier this month, is the all-time leading scorer in Halran County history and helped lead the Bears to this years state finals.

[PHOTO] ‘Trent Noah Day’ set for May 31 during the Poke Sallet Festival

May 24, 2024
Harlan County senior guard Ella Karst signed with the University of Virginia-Wise on Tuesday in a ceremony at HCHS. Pictured with Karst are her parents, Jane and David Karst, and her sister, Anna Spurlock and nephew, Jacob, along with coach Anthony Nolan and HCHS athletic director Eugene Farmer.

[PHOTO] Karst, HCHS standout, will continue career at UVA-Wise

May 7, 2024
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.

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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.

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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.

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