Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

harlancountysports.com
Alexander Investment
Harlan Tourism
Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

harlancountysports.com
Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

harlancountysports.com
All content by Les Nicholson
Harlan native Neil Middleton was honored during halftime of the Breathitt County-North Laurel game at the Sweet SIxteen on Thursday at Rupp Arena. Middleton, a 1978 Harlan High School graduate, worked in radio in Harlan at WTUK and WHLN before moving to WYMT in Hazard, where he spent 12 years as vice president and general manager. He was presented the NFHS Award for Outstanding Service by Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commissioner Julian Tackett.

[Photo] Middleton honored at Sweet 16 for service through radio, television

March 27, 2025
Trent Noah worked on defense during the scrimmage.

Trent Noah reacts after hitting a 3-pointer in the scrimmage.

Trent Noah talked with Travis Perry before the scrimmage. Perry, from Lyon County, and Noah, from Harlan County, played against each other in last year's state championship game.

South Laurel forward Jordan Mabe worked toward the basket against Harlan County's Trent Noah last season. Mabe and the Cardinals are the early favorite in the 2025 13th Region race.

[Photo] From The Sidelines: Cardinals picked as early favorite for 2025

March 30, 2024
Harlan County point guard Maddox Huff went inside for two of his 22 points in the Bears' 85-71 overtime win over Campbell County.

[Photo] Noah joins Sweet 16 legends, rallies Black Bears to final four

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 22, 2024
Harlan County guard Trent Noah worked down the floor against South Laurel's Jordan Mabe in 13th Region Tournament action Thursday. Noah scored 18 points in the Bears' 38-34 win.

[Photo] Black Bears survive defensive struggle to edge South Laurel, avoid first-round regional upset

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 7, 2024
Bell County's Kairi Lamb (left) and Gracie Wilder teamed for a block in Saturday's game at South Laurel.

Harlan County sophomore guard Reggie Cottrell went up for a block in action earlier this season. Cottrell scored 13 points Wednesday in the Bears 73-62 loss to Bowling Green in the King of the Bluegrass tourament.

[Photo] Bears fall to Bowling Green in King of the Bluegrass tourney

December 20, 2023
Harlan County senior forward Caleb Johnson worked on defense against South Laurel's Jordan Mabe in Tuesday's 13th Region clash. Johnson finished with 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the second half, to help the Bears post a 56-49 victory.

[Photo] Bears win showdown between region’s top two teams at South

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 13, 2023
Billy Hicks is pictured coaching his Scott County team during the 2019 state tournament, his last season as a coach.

[Photo] Despite all his success, Hicks never forgot where he started

December 4, 2023
Corbin guard Carter Stewart drove against North Laurel's Reed Sheppard in the 13th Region Tournament. Stewart and the Hounds will again be among the favorites in the 2023-2024 season.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 19, 2023
Harlan coach Derrick Akal was honored as the KABC Coach of the Year for the 13th Region in cermonies at Rupp Arena on Friday.

[Photo] Akal honored as coach of the year

March 17, 2023
Breathitt County sophomore guard Austin Sperry, the 14th Region's 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.

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

March 17, 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.

[Photo] 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
North Laurel senior forward Ryan Davidson drove South Laurel's Jordan Mabe in 13th Region Tournament action on Saturday.

[Photo] Corbin, North roll into regional finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 5, 2023
Jackson County's 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.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 4, 2023
Harlan County junior guard Jonah Swanner went up for a shot in 13th Region Tournament action Thursday against Corbin.

[Photo] Redhounds control tempo, HC offense in regional victory

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 3, 2023
Harlan County junior guard Ella Karst, pictured in action at the 13th Region Tournament, was a first-team selection on the 13th Region Coaches Association All-Region Team.

[Photo] Knox Central's Collins leads coaches all-region team

March 2, 2023
North Laurel forward Ryan Davidson hit the game-winning 3-pointer as the Jaguars edged Harlan 55-52 in the first round of the 13th Region Tournament on Wednesday.

[Photo] Sheppard finds Davidson for game-winning 3 as North holds off Harlan in regional thriller

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 2, 2023
Harlan forward Jaedyn Gist worked against North Laurel's Colton Rawlings in action from the 13th Region Tournament on Wednesday.

Harlan County point guard Ella Karst worked her way through the North Laurel defense in 13th Region Tournament action Monday. Karst led the Lady Bears with 18 points in a 62-38 loss that ended Harlan County's season at 22-10.

[Photo] North extends regional win streak against HCHS to four

February 27, 2023
Harlan County point guard Ella Karst worked her way through the North Laurel defense in 13th Region Tournament action Monday. Karst led the Lady Bears with 18 points in a 62-38 loss that ended Harlan County's season at 22-10.

[Photo] North extends regional win streak against HCHS to four

By John Henson, Managing Editor
February 27, 2023
Coach John Calipari will lead the Kentucky WIldcats into Southeastern Conference play this week against Missouri.

[Photo] Defense, free throws are priorities for Cats going into SEC play

December 26, 2022
Harlan County's Maddox Huff, Trent Noah and Jonah Swanner are among the returning starters for the Black Bears as they open the 2022-2023 season on Saturday against Dobyns-Bennett, Tenn., in a scrimmage at HCHS.

[Photo] Bears to face Dobyns-Bennett, defending Tennessee 4A champs, in scrimmage

November 7, 2022
Kentucky coach John Calipari yelled instructions across court in a scrimmage on Sunday.

[Photo] Calipari says Cats aren't where they need to be

November 2, 2022
Daimion Collins threw down a dunk during Big Blue Madness on Friday night at Rupp Arena.

[Photo] Madness ushers in new season of Kentucky basketball

October 16, 2022
Kaiya Sheron made his debut for Kentucky in a 24-14 setback Saturday night at Kroger Field.

[Photo] Without Levis, Cats struggle in loss to South Carolina

October 9, 2022
Harlan County guard Trent Noah is the fourth-ranked junior in Kentucky, according to Prep Hoops. Noah earned all-state honors last season after averaging 28.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

[Photo] Harlan County's Noah ranked as state’s fourth-best player in Class of 2024

August 3, 2022
Harlan County's Maddox Huff was recently rated by Prep Hoops as the top point guard in the Class of 2025 and the 11th best player overall.

[Photo] HC’s Huff ranked as top point guard in Kentucky’s sophomore class

August 1, 2022
Michael Jones, pictured talking with an official last season at South Laurel, stepped down as coach on Thursday. Jones posted a 174-65 record in eight seasons, leading the Bears to five district titles and a 13th Region championship.

[Photo] Jones steps down after leading HC basketball program for eight seasons

April 28, 2022
Michael Jones at regional

Harlan County sophomore Trent Noah is a second-team all-selection by the Lexington Herald-Leader. Noah, who averaged 28.1 points per game, is the second-ranked sophomore in the state.

[Photo] HC's Noah named to Herald-Leader all-state squad

March 30, 2022
All-state guard Reed Sheppard, pictured in action during a 13th Region Tournament win against Bell County, will try to lead North Laurel to a second straight regional title in 2023.

[Photo] Dragons rally with five-run fifth to gain split at East Ridge

March 26, 2022
Emily Sizemore is one of four starters returning for North Laurel in the 2022-2023 season. She averaged 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season.

[Photo] Lady Jags edge Corbin, South, Bell as early favorite in race for 2023 girls regional title

March 26, 2022
Harlan senior guard Jordan Akal was honored during the Sweet Sixteen on Friday afternoon as the KABC 13th Region Player of the Year. Akal was a five-year starter for the Dragons and the second all-time leading scorer in Harlan history behind only 1995 Mr. Basketball Charles Thomas.

[Photo] Harlan's Akal honored as region player of the year

March 18, 2022
North Laurel's Reed Sheppard went to the basket against Pikevill's Rylee Samons in state tournament action Thursday. Samons scored 23 points in the Panthers' 59-51 victory.

[Photo] Pikeville wins mountain showdown against North in Sweet Sixteen

March 17, 2022
George Rogers Clark guard Sam Parrish sliced between Perry Central's Tyler Day and Rydge Beverly in state tournament action Wednesday. Parrish hit eight of nine shots and scored 20 points in the Cardinals' 77-36 win over the 14th Region champs.

[Photo] Commodores no match for GRC in first-round game from Sweet Sixteen

March 16, 2022
North Laurel junior guard Reed Sheppard went to the basket against Knox Central's Gavin Chadwell in action from the 13th Region Tournament championship game Monday. Sheppard scored 37 points in the Jaguars' 69-56 victory.

[Photo] Sheppard, Jags break through for 13th Region title

March 8, 2022
Knox Central guard Jevonte Turner headed to the basket as North Laurel's Reed Sheppard defended on Monday in the 13th Region Tournament finals.

The North Laurel Jaguars are pictured with the championship trophy after their 69-56 win Monday over Knox Central.

North Laurel coach Nate Valentine is pictured with the net after leading the Jaguars to the 13th Region title on Monday at The Corbin Arena.

The Corbin Lady Hounds are pictured with their 13th Region championship trophy after Saturday's overtime win over South Laurel.

[Photo] Lady Hounds edge South Laurel for 13th Region championship

March 6, 2022
The Corbin Lady Hounds are pictured with their 13th Region championship trophy after Saturday's overtime win over South Laurel.

[Photo] Lady Hounds edge South Laurel for 13th Region championship

By Les Dixon, Corbin Times Tribune
March 6, 2022
North Laurel guard Reed Sheppard split Bell County's Carter McCune and Dawson Woolum during the 13th Region Tournament semifinals on Saturday. Sheppard scored 36 points in the Jaguars' 59-40 victory.

[Photo] North, Knox roll into 13th Region championship rematch

March 5, 2022
Corbin's Bailey Stewart split the North Laurel defense durin the Lady Hounds' upset win Friday in the 13th Region Tournament semifinals.

[Photo] Corbin upsets North, South edges Jackson in regional semifinals

March 4, 2022
North Laurel's Emily Sizemore drove past a Corbin defender in 13th Region Tournament action Friday.

South Laurel's Skeeter Mabe drove against Jackson County's Kenady Ward in regional tournament action Friday.

Bell County guard Dawson Woolum scored 18 points in the Bobcats' 57-45 win over Corbin in action from the 13th Region Tournament on Thursday at the Corbin Arena.

[Photo] Bell rides Woolum’s hot hand to pull away from Corbin and into regional final four

March 4, 2022
Bell County guard Dawson Woolum scored 18 points in the Bobcats' 57-45 win over Corbin in action from the 13th Region Tournament on Thursday at the Corbin Arena.

[Photo] Bell rides Woolum’s hot hand to pull away from Corbin and into regional final four

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 4, 2022
South Laurel's Ashton Garland worked around Harlan's Kaleb McLendon in action from the 13th Region Tournament on Wednesday. Garland scored a team-high 15 points in South's 74-58 victory.

Harlan senior guard Jordan Akal worked to the basket against South Laurel's Jordan Mabe in 13th Region Tournament action Wednesday. Akal finished his stellar Harlan career with 22 points in a 74-58 loss.

[Photo] Balanced South attack sends Harlan to first-round exit at regional

March 2, 2022
Harlan junior forward Jaeden Gist raced down the court in 13th Region Tournament action Wednesday. Gist scored 18 points in the Green Dragons' 74-58 loss.

Corbin's Kallie Housley dribbled past Knox Central's Caylan Mills in 13th Region Tournament action Monday.

[Photo] Lady Hounds move into semifinals with win over Knox Central

March 1, 2022
North Laurel's Hailee Valentine worked around Harlan County guard Ella Karst for a shot during 13th Region Tournament action Monday. Valentine scored 21 to lead North Laurel in a 69-40 win. Karst le HCHS with 19 points.

[Photo] Lady Jags roll into regional semifinals with victory over Harlan County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 1, 2022
Harlan County guard Trent Noah, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 33 points on Friday and added four blocked shots as the Black Bears downed Middlesboro 80-49.

[Photo] Bears go back to basics, end skid with blowout at Middlesboro

February 12, 2022
Harlan County guard Trent Noah raced past two defenders in Tuesday's game against South Laurel. Noah scored 40 points in the Black Bears' 76-72 victory.

[Photo] Fast start sends Bears to second victory over South Laurel

January 26, 2022
Kentucky players and coach Mark Stoops held up the Citrus Bowl trophy after defeating Iowa 20-17 on Saturday in Orlando.

[Photo] Cats edge Iowa for Citrus Bowl victory, extending postseason streak to four

January 2, 2022
Kentucky receiver Wan'Dale Robinson dived for the end zone at the end of a long play earlier this season. He had stepped out of bounds around the 6-yard line.

[Photo] Cats hope to stretch winning at Louisville to three

November 26, 2021
Harlan County guard Ella Karst, pictured in action in last year's regional semifinals, scored 23 points on Monday in the Lady Bears' scrimmage win at Williamsburg.

[Photo] Karst, Smith lead HCHS to scrimmage win at Williamsburg

November 23, 2021
Harlan County point guard Ella Karst is ranked as the 79th best player in Kentucky in the Class of 2024.

[Photo] Local athletes among top ranked basketball players in Kentucky

August 12, 2022
Will Levis got off a pass under pressure in Kentucky's win over New Mexico State Saturday at Kroger Field.

[Photo] Cats pull away in rout of New Mexico State

November 20, 2021
Senior guard Jackson Huff, pictured in action at last season's 13th Region Tournament, is a three-year starter for Harlan County.

Jordan Akal is back for his fifth year as Harlan's starting point guard and is among the school's all-time scoring leaders.

Kentucky running back Chris Rorriguez celebrated a touchdown in a win over LSU last weekend. The Wildcats will take on No. 1 Georgia on Saturday in Athens.

[Photo] Fresh off thumping of LSU, Cats have Georgia on their minds

October 11, 2021
Kentucky quarterback Will Levis accounted for five of Kentucky's six touchdowns against LSU on Saturday night.

[Photo] Levis has helped lead Wildcats to best start since 1950

October 10, 2021
Harlan County defensive end Carter Howard and linebacker Josh Sergent moved in for a tackle in Monday's game at Clay County.

Clay County quarterback Tate Rice broke free for a big gain in Monday's game against Harlan County. RIce threw for five touchdowns in the Tigers' 40-20 victory.

[Photo] Rice riddles HCHS defense for five touchdowns to give Clay first win over Bears

September 28, 2021
Harlan County defensive back Jonah Swanner brought down Clay County's Zach Saylor in Monday's game. Saylor had three touchdown catches as the Tigers broke a nine-game losing streak against HCHS.

Josh Ali celebrated after making a catch in Kentucky's win over ULM Saturday at Kroger Field.

[Photo] Levis, receivers not surprised by Cats' performance in opener

September 5, 2021
Lindsay Hall was a winner in both singles and doubles as Harlan County swept Bell County 9-0 on Monday.

[Photo] HC girls sweep Bell in tennis action

April 20, 2021
Harlan County's Tony Reynolds won his singles match Saturday to help the Black Bears claim a team win.

[Photo] HCHS boys edge Letcher in tennis action

April 17, 2021
Harlan County's Tony Reynolds won his singles match Saturday to help the Black Bears claim a team win.

[Photo] HCHS boys edge Letcher in tennis action

April 17, 2021
Lindsay Hall and Abigail Gaw teamed up for a doubles win as Harlan County edged South Laurel 5-3 on Friday.

Lindsay Hall and Abigail Gaw teamed up for a doubles win as Harlan County edged South Laurel 5-3 on Friday.

[Photo] HCHS girls rally for win over South Laurel in tennis action

April 17, 2021
Harlan County High School teacher Jennifer Hilton was part of the officiating crew for the girls state championship game Saturday at Rupp Arena matching Sacred Heart against Marshall County. It was the fifth appearance in the state tournament for Hilton as an official and the third time she has called the state finals.

[Photo] A championship performance

April 11, 2021
North Laurel guard Hailee Valentine worked through the South Laurel defense in the 13th Region Tournament finals.

[Photo] South, North should battle again in 2022 for top spot in 13th Region

April 10, 2021
Harlan County resident Darrell Wilson is one of the officials representing the 13th Region at this year's girls state tournament at Rupp Arena. Wilson is pictured making a call during the Anderson County/Southwestern game on Wednesday night.

[Photo] On the big stage

April 7, 2021
South Laurel coach Chris Souder saw his team finish the 2021 season with a 20-11 record.

Reagan Jones led South Laurel with a 14-point scoring effort during Wednesday’s 59-55 overtime loss to Franklin County.

South Laurel’s Clara Collins scored eight points during the Lady Cardinals’ 59-55 loss to Franklin County.

Ashland junior guard Ethan Sellars drove to the basket in state tournament action Friday against Boyle County. Sellars, a junior guard, averaged 13.5 points per game this season for the Tomcats. Sellars is the son of Jamey Sellars, a former Lynch resident and Cumberland High School student. Sellars' grandparents, Red and Mitzi Sellars, still live in Lynch. His aunt, Mia Cornett, is a dentist at the Clover Fork Clinic.

[Photo] Harlan County connection at the Sweet Sixteen

April 4, 2021
North Laurel's Reed Sheppard and Knox Central's, the 13th Region's top rated players, squared off in this year's regional finals.

[Photo] North, Knox back on top in look ahead to 2022 basketball season

April 4, 2021
Knox Central guard Abe Brock tried to get the ball to Jevonte Turner in state tournament action Thursday.

Load More Stories