Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

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

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

harlancountysports.com

By John Henson

All content by By John Henson
Bell County tailback Kaleb Miller ran for five touchdowns and 223 yards in the Bobcats' 46-14 win over Powell County in the opening round of the 3A playoffs.

Bobcats ground and pound Powell in opening round of 3A playoffs

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 11, 2024
James A. Cawood's Tucker Daniels moved in on defense as Rosspoint guard Weston Nolan raced down the court in scrimmage action at the HCHS Boys Basketball Panorama. James A. Cawood won 40-16 in a rematch of last year's fifth- and sixth-grade county finals.

JACES downs Rosspoint in finals rematch to highlight panorama

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 2, 2024
Bell County’s Kaleb Miller ran through the Harlan County defense in the Bobcats’ 52-14 win Thursday at Harlan County. Miler scored one touchdown on a pass and another on a run while adding four two-point conversions.

Bell takes 9-game winning streak into playoffs after smashing HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 31, 2024
Harlan County's Ashton Evans kept the ball alive during 13th Region Tournament action Monday. The Lady Bears fell in three sets to Corbin and ended the season with a 26-7 record.

HC’s record-breaking season ends with loss in regional semifinals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 28, 2024
James A. Cawood guard Easton Engle worked around a Rosspoint defender with the help of a pick by Wynn Cooper in action from the county panorama Saturday.

Middle school season opens with 7-8 county panorama at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 27, 2024
Harlan County’s Kylee Hoiska went to the net to finish a point during the Lady Bears’ 25-20, 25-15, 25-22 win over Jackson County in the first round of the 13th Region Tournament.

Lady Bears roll into regional semis with three-set sweep of Jackson

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 26, 2024
Harlan County's Kylee Hoiska went to the net for a point in the 52nd District Tournament finals Tuesday. Hoiska earned most valuable player honors as Harlan County won in four sets.

Lady Bears defeat Bell to capture 52nd District Tournament crown

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 22, 2024
Harlan County junior Kalista Dunn went up for one of numerous kills Monday in the Lady Bears' three-set win over Harlan in the 52nd District Tournament.

Bell, HC roll into finals of 52nd District Tournament with three-set routs

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 21, 2024
Harlan sophomore running back Jonah Sharp battled for yardage in Firday's 30-8 win over Lynn Camp.

Dragons’ offense rolls behind Sharp’s 301-yard night in win over Lynn Camp

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 18, 2024
Harlan County senior Ashton Evans and the Lady Bears defeated Pineville in three sets on Thursday to close the regular season with a record of 23-6.

Lady Bears celebrate Senior Night by breaking county win record

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 17, 2024
Harlan County freshman Sam Carr brought down South Laurel's Waylon Hensley in Friday's game.

Cards overcome Harlan County’s fast start, clinch 5A playoff berth

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 11, 2024
The Harlan County Lady Bears celebrated a three-set win Monday at Harlan to break a school record for victories at 21.

Lady Bears secure record-breaking 21st win with a sweep of Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 7, 2024
Middlesboro senior Vincent Smith ran for two touchdowns Friday in the Yellow Jackets' 21-0 win over visiting Harlan.

Middlesboro defense dominates in shutout win over Green Dragons

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 4, 2024
Rosspoint captured the seventh- and eighth-grade county championship with a 65-35 win Thursday over Wallins. Team members, from left, include: Taylynn Napier, Kenadee Sturgill, Jaycee Simpson, Shasta Brackett, Aiselyn Sexton, Barbara Osborne and Crissalynn Jones; front row: Natalie Jenkins.

Lady Cats ride another balanced attack to capture 7-8 county title

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 3, 2024
Wallins guard Raegan Landa scored 25 points Tuesday in the Lady Devils' win over Black Mountain in the semifinals of the county tournament.

Landa sparks second-half surge as Wallins earns spot in county finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 1, 2024
Harlan's Darius Akal was brought down by Pineville's Kaiden Robbins in Friday's district clash. Akal scored four touchdowns in the Dragons' 38-14 win.

Akal runs for 4 TDs as HHS regains Battle of 119 trophy by routing Lions

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 28, 2024
Black Mountain guard Kelsie Middleton sailed to the basket for two of her 16 points in the Tigerettes' win over Evarts on Saturday in the seventh- and eighth-grade county tournament.

Wallins, Black Mountain, JACES advance to county semifinals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 28, 2024
Harlan County junior Kylee Hoiska went up for one of her 16 kills in the Lady Bears' thrilling five-set win over visiting Bell County.

Hoiska sparks a late charge as HC rallies from 2-0 deficit to down Bell

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 26, 2024
The Cawood Lady Comets captured the fifth- and sixth-grade county tournament title with a 28-26 win Tuesday over Rosspoint. Team members include, from left, front row: manager Caroline Wilson, Natalie Charles and Brylee Helton; back row: Campbell Thompson, Bella Ford, Addy Cochran, Katie Napier and Lilith Smith.

Lady Comets completed unbeaten season with win in county finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 24, 2024
Harlan County junior Brayden Casolari captured the Region 10 title in a playoff after shooting a five-under par 67. Harlan County finished third in the team competition.

Casolari makes history as first HCHS golfer to win region title

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 24, 2024

Miller runs for 265 yards, three TDs as Bell defeats Whitley

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 22, 2024
Cawood coach Jim Cullvan was pictured on the cover of the 1986 football section of the Harlan Daily Enterprise.

Cully’s impact on Trojans from the 80s still felt after his death at 103

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 18, 2024
Leslie County senior quarterback Landry Collett ran for one touchdown and passed for two in the Eagles' 35-6 win Friday over visiting Harlan.

Eagles’ defense controls game as Leslie coasts past Green Dragons

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 14, 2024
Harlan County senior guard Maddox Huff announced Friday at HCHS that he would continue his basketball and academic career at East Tennessee State University. Huff is pictured with his parents, LeAnne and Lonnie, and his brothers, Cameron and Jackson.

Huff chooses East Tennessee State University as college destination

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 13, 2024
John Henson

From The Sidelines: Leaders must choose common sense over fear

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 12, 2024
Harlan running back Sedrick Washington tried to get outside in action Friday against Pike Central. The visiting Hawks held Harlan to 40 yards rushing in the first three quarters on the way to a 34-8 win.

Hawks apply early pressure to shut down HHS offense in win

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 6, 2024
Harlan County lineman Cooper Blevins and linebacker James Ryan Howard battled to bring down a Hazard ball carrier in Friday's game. The Bulldogs improved to 2-0 with a 33-0 victory.

Dogs’ big-play attack too much for HC on the way to 33-0 victory

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 30, 2024
Harlan County junior Kalista Dunn had a big night Tuesday as the Lady Bears coasted to a three-set win over visiting Harlan to improve to 5-0 on the season.

Lady Bears run season-opening win streak to 5 by routing HHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 27, 2024
Harlan County senior fullback James Ryan Howard battled for extra yards in Friday’s game at Middlesboro. Howard ran for 180 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Black Bears to a 25-7 victory.

Howard rumbles for 180 yards, 3 TDs as Bears down Middlesboro

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 25, 2024
Harlan County High School coaches Tim Saylor and Jacob Saylor are back together on the football field this season.

Saylor happy to be back on field as he joins son’s coaching staff

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 24, 2024
Bell County coach Dudley Hilton talked to his team during last year's run to the state 3A finals. Hilton has won 432 games as a high school coach as he enters his 50th season overall, including three in the college ranks.

Hilton still going strong as he marks 50 years on the sidelines

By John Henson, Sports Writer
August 23, 2024
Harlan County's Brayden Casolari and Hailie Hensley qualified for the 2A Classic state tournament as each finished second Thursday in the Region 7 meet in Pineville.

Casolari, Hensley place second in 2A regional, qualify for state

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 22, 2024
Harlan County's Madilynn Nolan (24) and Kylee Hoiska went to the net for one of several blocks in the second set of the Lady Bears' 25-13, 25-6, 25-11 win over visiting Barbourville.

HCHS coasts past Barbourville

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 20, 2024
Team members include, front row, from left: Allen Roark, Zach Musick, Jaxson Hurt, Sam Carr, Hunter Boggs, Colby Shepherd, Rhylend Thomas, Malaki Browning, Jayce Brown, Luke Kelly, Gage Bailey, Brayden Howard, Brayden Morris, Jordi Jackson, Braydon Cole, Lucas Seals, Dylan Clem, Masyn Stewart, Blake Short, Jacob McLemore and Aliya Burkhart; back row: Kobe Salyers, Drew Sergent, Jacob Sage, Brayden Clay, Jonathan Sergent, Cooper Blevins, Hunter Napier, Tyler Hickson, Peyton Jackson, James Ryan Howard, Carson Madden, Bo Eldridge, Camden Middleton, Brady Freeman, Aaron Howard, Isaiah Baker, Logan Smith and Landon Sizemore.

Saylor trying to restore Bears to winning ways of school’s early days in first season as coach

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 12, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Xavion Sheehan, Mekhi Young, Malachi Coots, Deakon Partin, Vincent Smith, Blake Lambert, Jacob Tinnell, Kordell Partin, Noah Wakin, Anthony Miracle, Amari Houston and Joseph Killion; second row: Ayden Allen, Conner Long, Hayden Sherman, Nate Wicks, Colby Lawson, James Polly, Cameron Mosley, Cayden Burchett, Cody Allen, Peyton Coffey and Jaden Earle; third row: Billy Choron, Colt Bayless, Logan Long, Bailey Blackburn, Kaulin Reed, Amarie Housley, Quinn Brown, Eli Brown, Christian Davis, Trey Mayes, Jonathon Wilson, Matt Cloud and Paul Higgins; back row: coaches Byron Asher, John Smith, Zach Massengill, Nick Shoffner, Clark Payne, Larry French, Mark Huddleston, Eddie Gilbert, Hunter Adams and Tom Miller.

Jackets trying to fill graduation losses while seeking a repeat

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 12, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Nate Montanaro, Caden Mefford, Andre Forrester, Doug Honeycutt, Beck Bryson and Nathan Cochran; middle row: Charlie Honeycutt, Isaiah Cornett, Connor Daniels, Jonah Sharp, Sedrick Washington, Darius Akal, Baylor Varner, Harlan Marietta and Noah McMillian; back row: Dejean Forrester, Peyton Thompson, Jordan Rodriguez, Matthew Nunez, Hunter Clem, Connor Witt, Donovan Clark, Kameron Witt, Gunnar Middleton and Tommy Pace.

Williams taking it one day at a time in his quest to rejuvenate Green Dragons’ football program

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 11, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Carlos Humfleet, Gabriel Miller, Conner Hurst, Logan Fuson, Riley McGuire, Cadence Hurst and Jackson Tapp; second row: Henry Rutherford, John Dudley Hilton, Bobby Partin, Aaron Lawson, Trey Harbin, Dudley Hilton, Kevin Napier, Steve Collet, Devin Reese, Tyson Thomas, Jon Shipley and Rodney Hoskins; third row: Brennon Hill, Nick Redmond, Kaleb Miller, Blake Evans, Nathaniel Saylor, Hunter Goodin, Brayden Fultz, Hunter Everage, Josh Owens, Aiden Collinger and Nathan Cobb; fourth row: Jacob Calloway, Keaton Jackson, Brian Daniels, Chase Brock, Alex Goodin, Chase Widener, Tucker Hartman, Johnathan Tapp, Marty Brock and Trevor West; fifth row: Tate Slone, Connor Miracle, Bradley England, Hunter Fuson, Hayden Damron, Ryan Goins, Jaxon Pratt, Isaac Jones, Hagen Neal, Jordan Collins and Logan Greene; back row: Blake Burnett, Chase Caldwell, Spencer Phipps, Jacob Warren, Joseph Brigmon, Wyatt Rutherford, Jeremiah Saylor, Steven Hoover, Cayden Huff and Aidan Warren.

Bell seeks to build on last year’s run to 3A finals without Thomas

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 11, 2024
Rosspoint’s Taylynn Napier was guarded by Campbell Thompson, of Cawood, in action from the county panorama on Saturday. Napier scored 23 points in the Lady Cats’ 44-16 victory.

Middle school season tips off with county panorama at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 10, 2024
Pasleigh Asher, of Wallins, and Leah Collins, of James A. Cawood, battled for a loose ball in scrimmage action Friday at Harlan County High School in the fifth- and sixth-grade county panorama.

Grade school basketball season opens with county panorama

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 9, 2024
Middlesboro junior Julia Ramirez is back for the Lady Jackets after leading the team last year in service aces with 52, assists with 88 and blocks with 15 while adding 11 kills.

Lady Jackets working to build on last season’s improvement

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 9, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Ariana Lawson, Emma Farmer, Emily Rose, Abbi Middleton, Lexie Brown and Haley Daniels, back row: assistant coach Raegan Robbins, Emily Winkler, Adyson Scott, Laiken Hammontree, Kairi Lamb, Nevaeh Allen, Alexis Lawson and coach Shawn Fultz.

Lady Cats hope to stay on top in district despite graduation hits

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 5, 2024
Team members include, from left: Sophie Day, Kalista Dunn, Savannah Hill, Ashton Evans, Karli Shoupe, Kylee Hoiska and Madi Nolan; front: Ashlynn Williamson; not pictured: Alexis Adams.

Lady Bears set their sights on a record-breaking season in 2024

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 5, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Kaylee Sturgill, Kinsley Sturgill, Kamryn Blanton, Carley Jump, Halle Cox, Shaedyn Crow and Jordyn Shackleford; back row: coach Sierra Crow, Kenzie Shepherd, Cheyanne Childers, Zoe Lawson, Kaylee Roark, Annie Hoskins, Clarissa Yost, Peyshaunce Wynn, Addison Campbell, Gracie Hensley and coach Paighton Hensley; not pictured: Daria Lee and Gwen Toll.

Crow takes on task of rebuilding Harlan’s volleyball program

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 4, 2024
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff is one of 15 high school seniors from around the nation recently invited to the Underrated Basketball Showcase on Aug. 2-4 at Davidson College in Charlotte, N.C.

Harlan County’s Huff one of 15 seniors selected for showcase

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 24, 2024
Harlan running back /defensive back Darius Akal will continue his football and academic career at Eastern Kentucky University.

Akal keeping a promise to his mom with decision to continue football career at EKU

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 10, 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.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 9, 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.

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 Monday's game and finished fourth in the tournament.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 8, 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.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 25, 2024
Harlan County all-state guard Maddox Huff, pictured in action against Lyon County's Travis Perry in last year's state championship game, recently picked up his third Division I offer from Youngstown State and then his fourth from UT-Martin.

HC’s Huff receives offers from Youngstown State, UT-Martin

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 23, 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.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 20, 2024
It was a battle of all-staters on Monday at South Laurel as Harlan County's Maddox Huff put up a shot over Breathitt County's Austin Sperry. The two are ranked among the state's top players in the Class of 2025. Huff scored 27 points in the Bears' 76-64 win.

Bears down Breathitt, then fall to Pulaski in summer action

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

Bears win over Mason County, Fern Creek in KBC Invitational

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 15, 2024
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.

Bears split first two games in KBC tournament in Lexington

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

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.

Lady Bears win three of three in summer scrimmages at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 11, 2024
Harlan's Kobe Noe worked around a Somerset defender in scrimmage action Friday, Noe scored 14 points in the Dragons' 72-44 loss.

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.

HCHS claims summer wins over Clinton County, Madison Central

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 7, 2024
Harlan County senior guard Brody Napier scored 13 points in the Bears' summer scrimmmage win at Knott Central.

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.

Black Bears open summer slate by splitting Hazard scrimmages

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 1, 2024
Harlan County senior Tristan Cooper signed recently with Transylvania University to continue his baseball and academic career. Pictured with Cooper are, from left, front row: Sean Cooper, Jennifer Shepherd and Donnie Cooper; back row: HCHS athletic director Eugene Farmer, HCHS baseball coach Scotty Bailey, Dottie Cooper, Emma Cooper, Rhonda Cooper and Donald Cooper.

HC’s Cooper headed to Transy

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 30, 2024
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.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 28, 2024
Harlan third baseman Ella Lisenbee celebrated after beating Jackson County catcher Blakleyn Fee to the plate as she scored on a wild pitch in the fourth inning of the Lady Dragons’ 13th Region Tournament game. The Lady Dragons fell 5-2 to finish the season with a 14-19 record as the 52nd District champions for the first time since 2004.

Williams’ 2-hit performance helps Jackson eliminate Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 27, 2024
Harlan first baseman Abbi Fields was congratulated by coach David Overbay after her two-run homer in the second inning Tuesday in the Lady Dragons' 4-3 win over Harlan County. Fields hit three home runs in the tournament to win most valuable player honors.

Lady Dragons hold off HC, win first district title in 20 years

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 21, 2024
Harlan shortstop Ella Farley prepared to tag Middlesboro's Kaylee Lawson at second base during Monday's 52nd District Tournament game.

Harlan rallies in 7th, wins in 8th to advance to 52nd District finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 21, 2024
Harlan County center fielder Rylie Maggard slide into third base with a triple to open the second inning Monday in the 52nd District Tournament. Harlan County advanced to a championship showdown against Harlan with an 11-4 win over Bell County.

Lady Bears end regional drought with a first-round win over Bell

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 20, 2024
Harlan guard Emma Owens signed recently with Southwest Virginia Community College to continue her academic and athletic career. Owens is pictured with her parents, Chuck and Jo, and her brothers, Brody and Xander.

Owens will continue basketball career at Southwest Virginia

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 18, 2024
Harlan County senior Tristan Cooper pitched a no-hitter Thursday at the Black Bears coasted to a 12-0 five-inning win over visiting Williamsburg.

Senior Night sweep at HC

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 16, 2024
Harlan's Abbi Fields was greeted at the plate after her sixth-inning homer in the Lady Dragons' 12-8 win over Harlan County.

Lady Dragons run wild on bases while giving HC first district loss

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 14, 2024
Members of the Harlan County girls tennis team competing in the regional tournament on Thursday include Addison Fields, Sophie Day, Laura Ball, Kaitlyn Daniels, Kalista Dunn and Bani Chaudhary.

HCHS will send 10 members of squad to compete in regional

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 13, 2024
Harlan County guard brought the ball down the court against Lyon County's Travis Perry in the state championship game last month. Both Noah and Perry, the state's top two players in the Class of 2024, will play at the University of Kentucky next season.

Noah makes it official as he announces his plans to play at the University of Kentucky

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 8, 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.

Karst, HCHS standout, will continue career at UVA-Wise

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 7, 2024
Harlan County catcher Jade Burton collected a pair of hits and two RBI in the Lady Bears' 10-0 win over Bell County on Tuesday.

Lady Bears lock up top seed with victory over Bell County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 7, 2024
Middlesboro's Keevi Betts was safe on a steal attempt in the fifth inning of Thursday's district clash as Harlan County second baseman Lindsey Skidmore awaited the throw.

Adams pitches 2-hitter as HCHS downs Jackets for district win

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 2, 2024
Harlan County freshman Alexis Adams pitched a one-hitter with six strikeouts in the Lady Bears' 15-0 win Thursday over visiting Harlan.

Lady Bears pound out 15 hits on the way to 3-inning rout of HHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 25, 2024
Bell County's Blake Burnett tossed a five-hit shutout Monday as the Bobcats clinched the 52nd District's top seed with a 3-0 win over visiting Harlan County.

Burnett tosses shutout as Bobcats take command in district with win over HC

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 22, 2024
Harlan shortstop Ella Farley collected four hits in four at bats to lead the Lady Dragons in a 13-0 win Thursday over Bell County.

Lady Dragons’ offense continues to sizzle in rout of Bell County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 18, 2024
Harlan County senior Tristan Cooper pitched a two-hitter with 12 strikeouts in the Bears' 10-0 win Tuesday over visiting Middlesboro.

Cooper reaches 300 Ks as he tosses 2-hitter against Mboro

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 16, 2024
Harlan County's Alexis Adams scored on a wild pitch in the first inning Monday as the Lady Bears took an 8-1 lead on the way to a 16-7 victory.

Lady Bears’ offense explodes early in win over Barbourville

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 15, 2024
Anthony Nolan has stepped down after 22 seasons of coaching in Harlan County, the last 10 as girls coach at HCHS. He won over 64 percent of his games with a 411-229 record as both a boys and girls coach.

Nolan steps down after 22-year basketball coaching career that included 411 wins at HC, JACHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 12, 2024
Harlan second baseman Donovan Montanaro was congratulated after his game-winning three-run homer on Wednesday. The Green Dragons split their two-game series against HCHS with a 5-4 victory.

Montanaro’s walkoff blast propels Dragons to thrilling district win over Harlan County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 10, 2024
Harlan County's Tristan Cooper pitched a four-hitter Monday with 15 strikeouts as the Black Bears defeated visiting Harlan 6-3.

Cooper fans 15 as Bears grab early lead in win over Harlan

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 8, 2024
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.

From The Sidelines: Cardinals picked as early favorite for 2025

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 30, 2024
Brooke Nichelson, pictured in action against South Laurel in this year's regional tournament, will lead North Laurel in 2025 in its quest for a third straight 13th Region title. Peyton Mabe and the Lady Cardinals will also be among the top teams in the region.

From The Sidelines: Lady Jags seek third straight regional title

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 29, 2024
Harlan County's Jonah Swanner was congratulated by HCHS coach Scotty Bailey after his homer in the fifth inning of the Bears' 3-0 win Monday over visiting Lee, Va.

Swanner sparks Bears with a homer, triple in victory over Lee

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 25, 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.

Bears determined to end district drought with veteran squad

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 25, 2024
John Henson

From The Sidelines: If this is a dream, let me sleep a little more

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 24, 2024
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff worked toward the basket as Lyon County's Travis Perry defendied during the state championship game Saturday at Rupp Arena. Huff scored 22 to lead the Bears, who finished the season with a 34-5 record. Perry paced the Lyons with 27 points,.

Black Bears’ magical run ends in state finals as Lyon captures title

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 23, 2024
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff worked to the basket in the state semifinals Saturday against Evangel.

Black Bears roll into state finals with victory over Evangel

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 23, 2024
Harlan County's Trent Noah went up for a dunk after a steal as part of a 48-point effort in the Black Bears' 85-71 victory.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 22, 2024
Harlan County all-state guard Trent Noah put up a shot over Warren Central's Jarek Kirk in state tournament action Thursday. Noah scored 35 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Bears' 67-59 victory.

Bears make history with win over defending state champs

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 21, 2024
Perry Central's Kizer Slone worked around Magoffin County's Reed Meadows in state tournament action Wednesday.

Hornets follow familiar pattern as they overcome slow start to defeat Perry in Sweet Sixteen

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 20, 2024
Team members include, from left, coach Lee Freyer, assistant coach Andy Brewer, Caiden Meadors, Jake Brewer, Caden Middleton, Jonah Sharp, Luke Luttrell, Gunnar Snelling, Eli Freyer, Chris Rouse, Beck Bryson, Baylor Varner, Brody Owens, assistant coach Will Varner and assistant coach Terry Jones; not pictured: Aiden Johnson, Jared Moore and Donovan Montanaro.

With several key players back, Dragons expected to continue their improvement this season

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 19, 2024
Harlan County junior Alex Creech gave up only three hits over 6 1/3 innings with 10 strikeouts as the Bears defeated visiting Knox Central 7-4 on Monday.

Creech cruises as Black Bears overcome cold to down Knox

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 18, 2024
Wes Unseld led Seneca to state basketball titles in 1963 and 1964 before going on to the University of Louisville and then to the Baltimore Bullets. Seneca defeated Harlan in the first round of the state tournament in 1964. His cousin, William Unseld, is the coach of the Warren Central team that will play Harlan County on Thursday in the first round of the state tournament. WIlliam's son, Kade, is an all-state senior guard for Warren Central.

From The Sidelines: Unseld connection to Harlan County basketball goes back 60 years

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 17, 2024
Alexis Adams

Adams tosses 2-hitter in debut as Lady Bears end losing streak

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 16, 2024
Harlan County first baseman Halanah Shepherd had one of the Lady Bears' two hits in a 14-1 loss to visiting Jackson County on Saturday.

Lady Bears’ 8 errors lead to ugly loss against Jackson County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 16, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Aly Sherman, Sydney Jenkins, Lindsey Skidmore, Hannah Raleigh, Akira Lee, Harley Rice, Kendall Brock and Aviya Halcomb; back row: Halanah Shepherd, Alexis Adams, Maddy Blair, Brittleigh Estep, Rylie Maggard, Jenna Wilson, Lesleigh Brown, Taylor Clem, Jade Burton, Braylen Gilley, Madi Nolan and Jailynn Shackleford; not pictured: Allie Kelly.

Lady Bears hope to build on momentum from last year, take next step in postseason play

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 14, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Amy Roman, Gracie Hensley, Sariah Pace, Ella Farley, Rhileigh Estes, Ella Lisenbee, Jordyn Smith and Mallory McNiel; back row: coach Scott Lisenbee, Ava Nunez, Ally Kirby, Abbi Fields, Annie Hoskins, Kendyll Blanton, Jalyn Wynn and coach David Overbay.

Lady Dragons expect big improvements in ’24 with experienced squad returning

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 13, 2024
Harlan County shortstop Rylie Maggard made the throw to first during the Lady Bears' season-opening game Tuesday. The visiting Lady Eagles won 3-0.

Lady Bears’ bats fall silent in season-opening loss to Leslie

By John Henson, Managing Editor
March 12, 2024
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