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Corbin guard Carter Stewart drove against North Laurels 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

March 19, 2023
North Laurel guard Reed Sheppard was named the KABC 13th Region Player of the Year in ceremonies Friday during the state tournament.

[PHOTO] Akal honored as coach of the year

March 17, 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.

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

March 17, 2023
Jackson Countys Abby Gilbert and Bell Countys Gracie Jo Wilder battled in the 13th Region Tournament. WIlder and Gilbert will be among the regions top players again in 2024.

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

March 12, 2023
Hayden Llewellyn scored 22 points to lead Corbin past Barbourville on Saturday in the semifinals of the 13th Region Tournament.

[PHOTO] Corbin, North roll into regional finals

March 5, 2023
North Laurel guard Brooke Nichelson drove around South Laurels Peyton Mabe in 13th Region Tournament action Saturday. Nichelson scored 28 points in the Lady Jaguars 67-63 victory.

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

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

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
Harlan guard Kyler McLendon put up a shot in 13th Region Tournament action Wednesday. The Green Dragons fell 55-52 to end the season at 24-8.

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

March 2, 2023
Harlan forward Jaedyn Gist worked against North Laurels Colton Rawlings in action from the 13th Region Tournament on Wednesday.

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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 Countys season at 22-10.

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

February 27, 2023
North Laurels Brooke Nichelson went up against Harlan Countys Kylie Jones in regional tournament action Monday. Nichelson scored 23 points in the Lady Jaguars 62-38 victory.

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

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 Countys 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 Countys 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

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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 Laurels Reed Sheppard went to the basket against Pikevills 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 Centrals 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 Centrals 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 Laurels Reed Sheppard defended on Monday in the 13th Region Tournament finals.

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

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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.

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

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

March 6, 2022
Corbins Darcie Anderson worked around South Laurels Gracie Turner in 13th Region Tournament action Saturday.

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

March 6, 2022
North Laurel guard Reed Sheppard split Bell Countys 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
Corbins 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 Laurels Emily Sizemore drove past a Corbin defender in 13th Region Tournament action Friday.

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South Laurels Skeeter Mabe drove against Jackson Countys Kenady Ward in regional tournament action Friday.

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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 Hayden Callebs worked down the court against Corbins Brody Wells in 13th Region Tournament action Thursday.

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

March 4, 2022
South Laurels Ashton Garland worked around Harlans Kaleb McLendon in action from the 13th Region Tournament on Wednesday. Garland scored a team-high 15 points in Souths 74-58 victory.

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Harlan senior guard Jordan Akal worked to the basket against South Laurels 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.

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Corbins Kallie Housley dribbled past Knox Centrals Caylan Mills in 13th Region Tournament action Monday.

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

March 1, 2022
North Laurels Brooke Nichelson dribbled around Harlan Countys Taytum Griffin on Monday in 13th Region Tournament action.

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

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 Countys Maddox Huff worked past a South Laurel defender in Tuesdays game in London.

[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 WanDale 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 years 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 Kentuckys 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 seasons 13th Region Tournament, is a three-year starter for Harlan County.

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Jordan Akal is back for his fifth year as Harlans starting point guard and is among the schools all-time scoring leaders.

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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 Kentuckys 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 Mondays game at Clay County.

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Clay County quarterback Tate Rice broke free for a big gain in Mondays 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 Countys Zach Saylor in Mondays game. Saylor had three touchdown catches as the Tigers broke a nine-game losing streak against HCHS.

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Josh Ali celebrated after making a catch in Kentuckys 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 Countys 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
Cody Clayborn helped lead Harlan County to a win on Saturday at Letcher Central as he won his singles match.

[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.

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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 years 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.

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

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

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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 Laurels Reed Sheppard and Knox Centrals, the 13th Regions top rated players, squared off in this years 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.

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Knox Central guard Jevonte Turner drove to the basket against Ashlands Hunter Gillium in state tournament action Thursday.

[PHOTO] Panthers fall to Ashland Blazer in opening round of Sweet Sixteen

April 2, 2021
North Laurel guard Reed Sheppard leads the coaches all-region team for the 13th Region.

[PHOTO] Sheppard, Davis lead coaches all-region squad

March 30, 2021
Knox Central guard Jevonte Turner worked against North Laurels Brody Brock in the 13th Region Tournament finals. Turner scored 12 points in the Panthers 78-63 victory.

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Knox Centrals Isaac Mills went up for a basket in the 13th Region Tournament championship game against North Laurel.

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Knox Centrals Abe Brock raced down the court in the 13th Region Tournament finals on Saturday.

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The Knox Central Panthers captured their third straight 13th Region Tournament title on Saturday with a win over North Laurel.

[PHOTO] Knox Central captures third straight regional title with win over North Laurel

March 28, 2021
Harlan County point guard Ella Karst worked against North Laurels Hailee Valentine in the 13th Region Tournament semifinals on Saturday at The Corbin Arena. Valentine scored 23 points in Norths 65-38 win.

[PHOTO] Lady Jaguars coast past HCHS in regional semifinals

March 27, 2021
Emily Sizemore sailed past Harlan Countys Kassy Owens in regional tournament action Saturday.

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North Laurels Emliy Sizemore drove past Harlan Countys Jaylin Smith in the 13th Region Tournament semifinals Saturday. Sizemore scored 10 points in the Lady Jaguars 65-38 victory.

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North Laurel guard Reed Sheppard scored 31 points as the Jaguars advanced to the 13th Region Tournament finals with a win over Corbin on Friday.

[PHOTO] North rolls into finals with victory over Corbin

March 27, 2021
South Laurels Brianna Howard led the break during 13th Region Tournament action Thursday. Howard scored eight points in Souths 51-32 victory.

[PHOTO] South Laurel, Bell roll into regional semifinals

March 26, 2021
Bell County guard Nadine Johnson looked for an opening in Thursdays regional tournament game against Clay County. Johnson scored 18 points in Bells 58-26 win.

[PHOTO] South Laurel, Bell roll into regional semifinals

March 26, 2021
Pineville senior guard Whitney Caldwell worked down the court against Harlan Countys Ella Karst in 13th Region Tournament action Wednesday. Harlan County advanced with a 47-40 win.

[PHOTO] HCHS overcomes early offensive woes to down Pineville in regional

March 24, 2021
Harlan Countys Jacey Lewis and Pinevilles Whitney Caldwell battled for a loose ball in regional tournament action Wednesday.

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Les Nicholson