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
Harlan All Stars coach Steven Johnson talked with catcher Maddox Helton during District 4 Tournament action Wednesday. Harlan finished third in the district with an 18-8 loss to Knox County.

[Photo] Harlan All Stars’ run ends one game short of District 4 finals

July 10, 2025
Harlan All Stars coach Steven Johnson talked with catcher Maddox Helton during District 4 Tournament action Wednesday. Harlan finished third in the district with an 18-8 loss to Knox County.

[Photo] Harlan All Stars’ run ends one game short of District 4 finals

By John Henson, Managing Editor
July 10, 2025
Harlan County coach Gary Greer talked to his Lady Bears during summer scrimmage action earlier this month at Leslie County High School.

[Photo] Lady Bears close summer slate by splitting games at Clay County

June 23, 2025
Tri-City All-Star Natalee Pendleton delivered a pitch in District 4 Tournament action Saturday at Huff Park. Tri-City was eliminated with a 6-3 loss to Hazard-Perry.

[Photo] Harlan, Jackson County move into District 4 winners bracket finals

June 21, 2025
Harlan County coach Kyle Jones talked to the Bears during a timeout in action earlier this summer. Harlan County swept past three opponents Friday in the KABC Summer Shootout at Lexington Catholic with wins over Ohio County, South Oldham and Metcalfe County.

[Photo] Bears sweep all four scrimmages at the KABC Shootout in Lexington

June 20, 2025
Harlan All-Star Kolbi Green was congratulated at the plate after his third-inning home run Friday in the District 4 Tournament at Barbourville. Harlan advanced with a 10-3 win over Middlesboro Pineville Bell.

[Photo] Blasts by Green, Southerland ignite Harlan Stars in victory over MPB

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 20, 2025
Harlan County senior guard Reggie Cottrell sailed to the basket for two of his 16 points in an 80-36 win over Betsy Layne at Clay County High School.

[Photo] Black Bears post another sweep in summer action at Clay County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 18, 2025
Harlan County's Brennan Blevins worked to the basket in scrimmage action Monday against Leslie County. Blevins led the Bears in rebounds in a 70-29 win.

Harlan County guard Reggie Cottrell dropped off a pass on a fast. break in scrimmage action Monday. Cottrell scored 21 points in the Bears' 70-29 victory.

Harlan County junior guard Trent Cole raced down the court Monday in summer scrimmage action at Clay County. Cole scored 22 points to lead the Bears in a 70-29 rout of Leslie County.

[Photo] Black Bears roll past Leslie as part of three-scrimmage sweep at Clay

June 16, 2025
Harlan County guard Brady Smith worked down the court in scrimmage action Monday against Leslie County.

Harlan senior forward Raegan Goodman worked between two Bell County defenders in summer scrimmage action Friday at Log Mountain.

[Photo] Lady Dragons lose twice at Bell

June 15, 2025
Harlan sophomore forward Eli Noe worked inside for a shot in summer action Friday against Whitley County at South Laurel. The Dragons led early before Whitley Red rallied to win 35-29. The Dragons also fell to South Laurel by a final of 61-45. Harlan split two games at South on Thursday, defeating Berea before falling 61-53 to Whitley Black. The Dragons are 6-6 on the summer and return to action Monday through Wednesday at UVA-Wise.

[Photo] Green Dragons drop two at South

June 15, 2025
Harlan County sophomore guard Kylee Runions worked inside for a shot in scrimmage action Friday at Bell County. Runions scored nine points in the Lady Bears’ 64-49 win over Barbourville.

[Photo] Lady Bears split a pair of summer scrimmages at Bell County

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 14, 2025
Harlan County guard Trent Cole, pictured in action earlier this week at Leslie County, scored 37 points Thursday in a summer scrimmage win over Metcalfe County at Lindsey Wilson College.

[Photo] Black Bears split two scrimmages at Lindsey Wilson College

June 12, 2025
Harlan County sophomore guard Jaylee Cochran passed the ball in scrimmage action Thursday at Knox Central.

[Photo] Lady Bears fall to Pineville, Knox Central in summer scrimmages

June 12, 2025
Harlan County sophomore guard Kaden Jones delivered a pass in summer basketball action Tuesday at Leslie County. The Black Bears fell 62-60 to Morgan County in overtime.

[Photo] Bears win three at Kingsport, lose three at Leslie in summer action

June 10, 2025
Harlan senior Cheyenne Rhymer worked against a Hazard defender in scrimmage action Monday at Memorial Gymnasium. The Lady Dragons were tied 25-25 at halftime before Hazard pulled away for a 61-37 victory. The Lady dragons fell 45-29 to Owsley County in an earlier scrimmage.

[Photo] Harlan falls to Owsley, Hazard

June 10, 2025
Harlan senior Cheyenne Rhymer worked against a Hazard defender in scrimmage action Monday at Memorial Gymnasium. The Lady Dragons were tied 25-25 at halftime before Hazard pulled away for a 61-37 victory. The Lady dragons fell 45-29 to Owsley County in an earlier scrimmage.

[Photo] Harlan falls to Owsley, Hazard

June 10, 2025
Maddox Huff worked against an Indiana defender on Friday in the Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Game in Lexington. Huff led the Kentucky All-Stars in scoring and assists in the two-game series.

[Photo] Star of Stars — HC’s Huff thrives in Kentucky-Indiana All-Star games

By John Henson, Managing Editor
June 8, 2025
Harlan County eighth-grade guard Taylynn Napier worked against the Letcher Central defense with the help of a pick from Raegan Landa in action from the Leslie County Team Camp. Harlan County won four of four junior varsity scrimmages and split four varsity scrimmages during the week.

[Photo] Lady Bears split scrimmages over two days at Leslie County camp

June 5, 2025
Harlan County's Trent Cole moved in on defense against Pineville's Preston Zachery in the opening summer scrimmage for both teams. Cole led the Bears with 22 points in a 68-32 victory.

[Photo] Defense carries Bears to a victory in opening summer scrimmage

May 30, 2025
University of Kentucky guard Trent Noah provided directions to campers during the ARH Trent Noah Pro Camp on Saturday.

[Photo] Former HCHS star back home to lead ARH Trent Noah Pro Camp

By John Henson, Managing Editor
May 17, 2025
Harlan County senior Peyton Lunsford signed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Morehead State University. Pictured with Lunsford are, from left, front row: Kristie Farley, Karen Givens, Taylor Lunsford, Paige Lunsford, Rylee Napier and Mitchell Lunsford; back row: First Priority leader Bo Lee, HCHS Principal Kathy Napier, HCHS coach Ryan Vitatoe, HCHS athletic director Eugene Farmer and Harlan County School assistant superintendent Brett Johnson.

[Photo] Lunsford follows through on plans with grandfather to run at MSU

April 30, 2025
Harlan County senior Luke Kelly signed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Morehead State University. Pictured with Kelly are, from left, front row: Tara Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Ashley Coldiron and Dion Coldiron; back row: HCHS Principal Kathy Napier, HCHS coach Ryan Vitiate, HCHS athletic director Eugene Farmer and Harlan County School assistant superintendent Brett Johnson.

[Photo] Kelly moving on to Morehead after a record-breaking career at HCHS

April 30, 2025
Peyton Lunsford and Luke Kelly became the first Harlan County High School athletes to sign with a Division I school for track and cross country when they both signed with Morehead State University on Wednesday.

[Photo] A double dose of track history at HCHS

By John Henson, Managing Editor
April 30, 2025
JH - Peyton Lunsford signs with Morehead

Team members include, from left, front row: Connor Wilkinson, Jackson Bird, Chance Sturgill, DaShaun Smith, Aiden Lewis, Cameron Brock, Brayden Howard, Kayden Adams, Killian Jackson, Elijah Creech, Colby Shepherd and Frankie Ross; back row: Aiden Craig, Jessie Gilbert, Hayston Hensley, Brennan Blevins, Gunnar Johnson, Alex Creech, Gunnar Burkhart, Colston Boggs, Kayden Hensley, Zayden Casolari and Gavvin Lloyd; not pictured: Brayden Morris, Carson Clark, Colby Clay and Hayden Cornett.

[Photo] Bears starting over in ’25 after last season’s disappointing conclusion

March 17, 2025
Team members include, from left, front row: Braylen Gilley, Lindsey Skidmore, Sydney Jenkins, Kendall Brock, Carmen Thomas, Aly Sherman and Alexis Adams; back row: D'Anna Cook, Halanah Shepherd, Jade Burton, Maddy Blair, Aviya Halcomb, Akira Lee and Jailynn Shackleford

[Photo] Lady Bears expecting to build on strong finish as they open season

March 16, 2025
Harlan senior Aymanni Wynn carried on a family basketball tradition as a five-year starter for the Harlan Lady Dragons. Wynn's mother, Savanna, was an all-state forward at Cawood High School in the early 2000s.

[Photo] A Wynn-Wynn situation

February 16, 2025
Harlan guard Peyshaunce Wynn headed to the basket during the Lady Dragons' 67-38 win Saturday over Owsley County in the Donnie Gray Shootout at Clay County.

[Photo] Lady Dragons place four in double figures as they rout Owsley County

February 9, 2025
Harlan County freshman guard Kylee Runions worked around a Clay County defender in Saturday's game in Manchester. Runions led the Lady Bears with 15 points in a 55-42 loss.

[Photo] Clay takes control in second half as HC falls with free throw woes

By John Henson, Managing Editor
February 9, 2025
Harlan County guard Reagan Clem dribbled past Barbourville's Marleigh Martin in Saturday's game. Clem led the Lady Bears with 20 points in a 54-43 win.

[Photo] Lady Bears find intensity and turn momentum in win at Barbourville

By John Henson, Managing Editor
February 1, 2025
J.D. Strange (left) and Mike Jones, two of the most successful boys basketball coaches in 13th Region history, talked during a game earlier this season at Pineville. Strange won 518 games in a 34-year career at Bell County, Allen Co.-Scottsville, Knox Central and Pineville. He led Allen County-Scottsville to a 4th Region title. Jones won 613 games and four 13th Region tites in a career that included stops at Cawood, Jackson County, Todd Central, Harlan, Clay County and Harlan County.

Harlan County junior guard Brennan Blevins passed out of a trap during an 84-61 win Saturday over Scott County in the Gem City Classic at Pineville.

[Photo] Bears bury Scott with 3rd-quarter run for Gem City Classic victory

February 2, 2025
Harlan County junior guard Brennan Blevins passed out of a trap during an 84-61 win Saturday over Scott County in the Gem City Classic at Pineville.

[Photo] Bears bury Scott with 3rd-quarter run for Gem City Classic victory

February 2, 2025
Bell County's Bristol Jordan brought the ball down court against Harlan County's Kenadee Sturgill in action earlier this season. Sturgill scored six points as the Lady Bears won 31-25 in a freshman game last week. Jordan led Bell County with 14 points.

[Photo] HCHS, Bell split doubleheader

January 18, 2025
Harlan County freshman guard Kylee Runions scored 19 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, as the Lady Bears upset Whitley County 54-52 in the 2A Section 7 Tournament on Wednesday.

Harlan County junior guard Brennan Blevins worked around a pick from Jaycee Carter in Friday’s game against Mercer County. Blevins hit two 3-pointers in the third quarter and finished with eight points in the Bears’ 70-58 win.

[Photo] Black Bears coast past Mercer in Raymond Reed Classic at South

By John Henson, Managing Editor
January 3, 2025
Harlan County eighth grader Kenadee Sturgill, pictured in action earlier this season, helped the Lady Bears improve to 4-1 on the season in freshman action with wins over Lincoln County and Rockcastle County.

[Photo] HC frosh down Lincoln, Rockcastle

December 31, 2024
Harlan County guard Brody Napier, pictured in action earlier this season, scored 11 points Sunday as the Black Bears defeated Hilton Head, S.C., 66-57 on the final day of play at the Seahawk Holiday Classic.

[Photo] Bears knock off host school to win 2 of 3 at Seahawk Holiday Classic

December 22, 2024
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
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