Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

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Focused on Harlan County sports — today and yesterday

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

harlancountysports.com
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
James A. Cawood guard Easton Engle drove around a Green Hills defender in Thursday's game. Engle scored 19 points in the Trojans' 57-29 victory.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

December 19, 2024
Harlan County sophomore forward Brady Freeman went in for a layup in action earlier this season. Freeman and the Bears won at Bell County last week as part of a split with the Bobcats.

[Photo] HCHS, Bell County split junior varsity/frosh doubleheader

December 17, 2024
Evarts guard Caysen Farley, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 27 points in the Wildcats' win Monday at Green Hills.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

December 17, 2024
Harlan freshman forward Kobe Noe worked against the Knox Central defense in Monday's game. Harlan built a 19-point lead before the host Panthers rallied for an 81-75 victory.

[Photo] Panthers rally from 19 down, edge Harlan with fourth-quarter surge

December 17, 2024
Harlan County freshman guard Kylee Runions sliced between two Claiborne, Tenn., defenders for two of her team-high 21 points in the Lady Bears' 60-47 victory.

[Photo] Lady Bears hit 11 treys to defeat Claiborne for first win of season

December 15, 2024
Harlan County freshman guard Kylee Runions sliced between two Claiborne, Tenn., defenders for two of her team-high 21 points in the Lady Bears' 60-47 victory.

[Photo] Lady Bears hit 11 treys to defeat Claiborne for first win of season

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 15, 2024
Harlan County guard Maddox Huff worked against Hazard’s Evin Eversole in action from the WYMT Mountain Classic finals on Saturday. Huff led the Bears with 29 points. Eversole score 24 for the Bulldogs, including the game-winning three-point play.

[Photo] Eversole’s three-point play with 1.1 seconds left sends Dogs past HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 15, 2024
Harlan County eighth-grade guard Jaycee Simpson headed to the basket during junior varsity action Thursday against visiting Bell County. Simpson scored 21 points in the Lady Bears’ 52-40 victory.

[Photo] Lady Bears sweep Bell County in frosh/junior varsity doubleheader

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 12, 2024
Black Mountain's Kash Gooden prepared to launch a shot in Tuesday's game at James A. Cawood.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

December 10, 2024
Harlan County point guard Trent Cole worked against Betsy Layne’s Canyon Hall in Saturday’s game at Hazard. Cole scored 11 points and had a big defensive game in the Bears’ 82-78 win.

[Photo] Huff takes over down the stretch as Black Bears defeat Betsy Layne

December 7, 2024
Harlan County point guard Trent Cole worked against Betsy Layne’s Canyon Hall in Saturday’s game at Hazard. Cole scored 11 points and had a big defensive game in the Bears’ 82-78 win.

[Photo] Huff takes over down the stretch as Black Bears defeat Betsy Layne

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 7, 2024
Harlan County junior varsity coach Cameron Carmical talked to the Bears during their 65-35 win Wednesday over visiting Middlesboro.

[Photo] Bears sweep freshman/junior varsity twinbill against Mboro

December 4, 2024
Harlan County junior varsity coach Cameron Carmical talked to the Bears during their 65-35 win Wednesday over visiting Middlesboro.

[Photo] Bears sweep freshman/junior varsity twinbill against Mboro

December 4, 2024
Harlan County guard Trent Cole guarded Perry Central's Landon Miller in Monday's season opener for both teams at Oneida Baptist. The Bears limited Perry to 30 percent shooting on the way to an 87-47 victory.

[Photo] Black Bears shoot at midseason form in rolling past Commodores

By John Henson, Managing Editor
December 3, 2024
Former Cawood and Union College receiver Tim Miniard unveiled the sign marking Jim Cullivan Way at the Cawood football field.

[Photo] Former JACHS football coach honored by board as loop around field named Jim Cullivan Way

November 27, 2024
Pineville's Braxton Baker looked to pass around Harlan's Brayden Clark in middle school basketball action Monday.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

November 25, 2024
Team members include, front row: from left: Cole Cornett, Kayden Hensley, Landon Brock, Brennan Blevins, Brody Napier, Trent Cole, Brady Smith, Kaden Jones and Brady Freeman; back row: Bryson Bryant, Hayden Grace, Reggie Cottrell, Jaycee Carter, Maddox Huff, Tucker Curtis, Thyler Coots and Rydge Lewis.

[Photo] Black Bears go back to work as they open defense of regional title

November 28, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Lauren Lewis, Kenadee Sturgill, Jaycee Simpson, Whitney Noe, Reagan Clem, Jaylee Cochran, Kelsie Middleton, Trinity Jones and Taylynn Napier; back row: Brooklyn Haywood, Raegan Landa, Lacey Robinson, Vanessa Griffith, Whitley Teague, Shasta Brackett, Kylee Runions and Khloe Carr.

[Photo] Greer takes on rebuilding project in first year as Lady Bears’ coach

November 27, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Cheyenne Rhymer, Abbi Fields, Kylie Noe, Aymanni Wynn, Leah Davis, Addison Jackson and Shelby Doan; back row: Gracie Hensley, Addison Campbell, Peyshaunce Wynn, Raegan Goodman, Clarissa Yost and Rheagan Halcomb.

[Photo] Lady Dragons excited about taking next step in '25 with veteran squad

November 27, 2024
James A. Cawood's Jayden Hensley put up a shot in Tuesday's game against Wallins.

James A. Cawood's Adrian Fields drove against Wallins' Jayden Sargent in middle school basketball action Tuesday.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

November 19, 2024
Evarts' Jacob Moore worked to the basket in action last week.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

November 12, 2024
Evarts guard Cayson Farley went inside for a basket during the Wildcats' win Thursday over visiting Black Mountain. It was the first regular-season game for both teams.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

November 7, 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.

[Photo] JACES downs Rosspoint in finals rematch to highlight panorama

November 2, 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.

[Photo] JACES downs Rosspoint in finals rematch to highlight panorama

By John Henson, Managing Editor
November 2, 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.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 27, 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.

[Photo] 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.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
October 1, 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.

[Photo] Wallins, Black Mountain, JACES advance to county semifinals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 28, 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.

[Photo] Lady Comets completed unbeaten season with win in county finals

September 24, 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.

[Photo] Lady Comets completed unbeaten season with win in county finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 24, 2024
Cumberland guard Torrie Sundy worked against Evarts' Macy Middleton in county tournament action Saturday. Sundy scored nine points to lead the Lady Skins, but Evarts advanced with an 18-15 victory.

[Photo] Rosspoint, Evarts, JACES advance in grade school county tourney

September 21, 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.

[Photo] Huff chooses East Tennessee State University as college destination

By John Henson, Managing Editor
September 13, 2024
Harlan County High School coaches Tim Saylor and Jacob Saylor are back together on the football field this season.

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

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 24, 2024
Wallins guard Raegan Landa, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 22 points as the Lady Devils downed James A. Cawood on Thursday.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

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.

[Photo] HCHS coasts past Barbourville

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 20, 2024
Cumberland's Harper Blair put up a shot in action earlier this season. The Lady Skins swept a doubleheader on Monday at Cowan.

[Photo] LOCAL SPORTS

August 19, 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.

[Photo] 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: Kaydi Blake, Sabrina Cornett, Harper Blair, Carie Cook and Jocelyn Fee; back row: coach Devin Watts, Kaylie White, Aubree Eads, Torrie Sundy, Teeghan Osborne and coach Danny Quillen.

Team members include, from left: Madi Barrett, Lily Dean, Hannah Perkins, Adleigh Creech, Embrey Engle, Bella Gross, Aaralyn Middleton and Leah Collins.

Team members include, from left, front row: Gracie Roark, Anastasia Rhymer, Charlie Whitaker, Kinley Middleton, Holli Alred and Deonna Starrett; back row:coach Jessica Middleton, Jocelynn Beinhorn, Jacey Botts, Ana Gross, Olivia Whitaker, Gracie Cornett, Cylann Bargo and Mariah Bennett.

Team members include, from left: Katie Napier, Lilith Smith, Campbell Thompson, Natalie Charles, Bella Ford and Addy Cochran.

[Photo] Grade school basketball (5-6)

August 10, 2024
Team members include, from left, front row: Cabella Bush, Addi Haynes, Sadie Clark.and Sadie Daniels; back row: Addi Shackleford, Maddi McCreary, Anna Kayte Clark, Bryleigh Bush, Bailey Haynes and Macy Middleton.

Team members include, from left, front row: Katelyn Hall, Zoey Collett, Roxie Anglin, Paisleigh Asher, Ella Anglin, Braylin Brock, Zoey Hubbard and Madilyn Helton: back row: Daisy Saylor, Jessalynn Galloway, Lydia Wright, Elizabeth Branson and Kaydence Dollarhyde.

Team members include, from left, front row: Ella Brock, Blakley Snelling, Rose Sturgill, Addison Dunson, Claire Bruce, Annie Burton, Natalie Creech, Lily Belt; back row: Lillie Carver, Kylee Parker, Aaliyah Webb, Crissalynn Jones, Jocelyn Miracle, Morgyn Belcher, Zoey Reed and Andrea Napier.

Cumberland's Harper Blair pulled up for a shot in the Lady Skins' win Friday over Black Mountain in the fifth- and sixth-grade county panorama.

[Photo] Grade school basketball season opens with county panorama

By John Henson, Managing Editor
August 9, 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.

[Photo] Bell seeks to build on last year's run to 3A finals without Thomas

August 11, 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.

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

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.

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

August 5, 2024
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 school's 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 school's 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 Monday's 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 8, 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 Region's 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 Region's 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 City's 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 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.

[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 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.

[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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