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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Saturday, November 30, 2019 3
North, South picked as 13th Region favorites 13th Region boys rankings Teams 1. North Laurel 2. South Laurel 3. Clay County 4. Knox Central 5. Harlan County 6. Corbin 7. Bell County 8. Williamsburg 9. Barbourville 10. Harlan 10. Middlesboro
rimeter game last year and led the Jackets to their first district title since 2012 Jordan Akal, Harlan, Soph., G, 6-0
Already a three-year starter, Akal developed into one of region’s best young players last season Cole Kelley, North Laurel, Sr., G, 6-4
With his strong junior campaign, Kelley established himself as one of the 13th’s best players and helped lead North to regional finals
13th Region girls rankings Teams 1. South Laurel 1. North Laurel 3. Clay County 4. Jackson County 5. Whitley County 6. Harlan County 7. Bell County 8. Knox Central 9. Corbin 9. Williamsburg
Taylor Spurlock, Harlan County, Sr., G, 6-6
A strong summer indicates the Players HCHS star may be ready to beMatt Cromer, South Laurel, Sr., G, 6-2 come a consistent offensive weapAfter several years as a key piece on for the Bears in the South lineup, Cromer takes Slaht Hunter, Williamsburg, Sr., G, 6-0 over as the Cardinals’ leader as a Steady senior has developed into senior a leader for the Jackets, who enter Connor Robinson, Clay County, Jr., G, 6-3 the season as the regional All “A” A breakout year by Robinson Classic favorite helped Clay establish itself as one LondonStephney,BellCounty,Sr.,G,5-10 of 13th Region’s top teams last seaWith 4.4 speed, Stephney is son. Reed Sheppard, North Laurel, Fr., G, 6-1 among state’s top football prosThe son of two former UK stars, pects and a weapon on the basketSheppard moved into the start- ball court at point guard ing lineup as an eighth-grader Shawn Vaughn, Barbourville, Sr., G, 6-3 Vaughn’s consistent excellence and became an overnight sensaplayed key role in Tigers becoming tion Jabari Kyle, Middlesboro, Sr., G, 6-0 one of region’s most pleasant surQuick guard improved his pe- prises of 2019
Players
Gracie Jervis, North Laurel, Sr., G, 5-7
Savvy and experienced, Jervis is very good in transition and as a spot-up shooter Sydni Hall, South Laurel, Sr., G, 5-6
One of state’s best 3-point shooters, Hall made immediate impact in first year at South Isabell Gray, North Laurel, Sr., G, 5-10
Consistency has helped Gray become one of the region’s elite players EmilySizemore,NorthLaurel,Soph.,G,5-6
Floor leader played with amazing confidence last year for a freshRanked No. 1 for the second man and helped lead run to Rupp straight year, the future Lady Hilltopper is among state’s elite playHaileeValentine,NorthLaurel,Soph.,G,5-7 ers On a team full of standout guards, Valentine stood out in last year’s postseason run AmerahSteele,SouthLaurel,Sr.,G,5-8 Four-year starter headed for AbbyHarris,BellCounty,Sr.,G,5-9 EKU, Steele has helped turn South Tough player with ability to score ininto a mountain powerhouse side or outside could lead resurgence at Ally Collett, South Laurel, Sr., G, 5-7
Bell Kaylee Mathis, Clay County, Sr., G, 5-8
Whitney Caldwell, Pineville, Jr., G, 5-7 Six-year starter has left her mark Standout guard has been one of on the storied Clay County girls region’s best young players the last basketball program two years
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The Middlesboro Yellow Jackets are looking to replicate their district success from 2018-19 while relying on youth to propel them into the offseason.
Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
John Dunn | Daily News
Yellow Jackets looking to replicate past success in 2020 By John Dunn Sports Editor
After winning a district championship in 2019 and falling just short of a first round regional victory, the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets are looking to replicate some of that success this season. Middlesboro posted a 17-14 overall record last year and a 4-5 mark in district play. The Jackets were able to capture a 13th Region All A title last year. The team got by Lynn Camp 67-60 before winning defeating Harlan 54-53 in the championship game. They would eventually lose to Knott County Central 57-45 in the All A State Tournament. The Yellow Jackets graduated six seniors last season, including four of their top six scorers. However, they return two of the top six in Jabari Kyle and T.J. Patterson.
son with 15.1 points per game. He was also fourth on the team in rebounding. They return Trey Brock as well, who led the team in rebounding last year and was fourth on the team in scoring with 7.6 points per game. Patterson was fifth on the team in rebounding last year and sixth on the team in scoring with just over three points per game. They shot 50% from the field and 37% from long range. They outscored their opponents 1,854 to 1,597 on the season. With four seniors on the roster, some of the younger players may play pivotal roles this season. “We are going to be a work in progress,” said head coach Lewis Morris. “A lot of our success may come from how the younger kids respond to playing more minutes at the varsity level. It’s going to take some time to figure things out, especially with so many of our kids
just now getting out from football.” Morris says that it may take some time to identify key role players on his team. He got to see a glimpse of his team as they traveled to camps over the summer. “Getting in basketball shape and finding the kids that can step up will take a little time,” he said. “Summer ball is more like pick up ball, and you really just like to see who is going to be able to compete. So, I usually don’t put much emphasis on anything except playing hard and competing. “It’s a long season, and we just have to continue to work hard and try and get ready for the post season. We have a good schedule that will challenge us every night, so hopefully it makes us better by the end.” The Yellow Jackets open their season at home against the Thomas Walker Pioneers on Dec. 3.
————————————————2019-2020 Yellow Jackets schedule Dec. 3 — vs Thomas Walker at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 — at Harlan at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 — vs Corbin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13— at Pineville at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 — at Harlan County at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 — at Southwestern TBA Dec. 21 — TBA at Southwestern at 6 p.m. Dec. 22 — TBA at Southwestern at 3 p.m. Dec. 27 — TBA at Danville at 6 p.m. Dec. 28 — TBA at Danville at 6 p.m. Dec. 28 — at Mercer County at Danville at 12:45 p.m. Jan. 3 — vs Bell County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 — vs Barbourville at 7:30 p.m.
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Saturday, November 30, 2019 5
Middlesboro From page 4
Jan. 11 — at Lynn Camp at Williamsburg at p.m. Jan. 16 — at Oneida Baptist Institute Jan. 20 — at Thomas Walker at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 — vs Leslie County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 — vs North Laurel at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 — vs Harlan County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 — vs Pineville at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 —at Wayne County at 2 p.m. Feb. 4 — vs Harlan at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 — at Bell County at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 — vs Oneida Baptist Institute at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 — at Barbourville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 —vs Jackson County at 7:30 p.m. Photos by Danny Vaughn Feb. 21 — vs Lynn Camp at 7:30 p.m. Senior Jabari Kyle dribbles along the perimeter during a recent scrimmage. He led the team in scoring last season with 15.1 points per game. He was also fourth on the team in rebounding.
TJ Patterson drives for a contested layup during a recent scrimmage. He was fifth on the team in rebounding last year and sixth on the team in scoring with just over three points per game.
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Harlan Green Dragons
Team members include, from left, front row: Johann Gist, Kaleb McLendon, Jaeden Gist, Jordan Akal, Jon Eldridge, Trey Barnes and Kyler McLendon; back row: Robert Sanford, Cameron Maples, Matthew Pennington, John Mark Bryson, Jayden Ward and Charles David Morton.
John Henson | Harlan Enterprise
New-look Dragons counting on quickness, athleticism By John Henson Sports Editor
There are two ways to look at the Harlan Green Dragons heading into the 2020 season. The pessimist would call them small and inexperienced. The optimist would probably choose quick and athletic. Coach Derrick Akal won’t argue with either description, knowing his young Dragons will go through plenty of growing pains before becoming the team he hopes to see heading into postseason play. “I know it’s cliche, but the key for us is getting better every day and we have. I don’t think we’ll really know what kind of team we have until midseason after we get some experience,” said Akal, who led the Harlan Lady Dragons to a pair of 13th Region titles. “We have to learn how to play with each other. It’s a totally different makeup from last year and a totally different style of team. We’ll be able to get up and down the floor. Harlan lost three starters and six seniors from last year’s 20-13 squad, the
most successful team at the school since the 2000 Dragons advanced to the regional final four and played in the All “A” Classic state semifinals. This year’s squad will take an entirely different approach with more of a pressing style built around four sophomore guards, all 6-foot or smaller. “I think our strength is our athleticism. We’re quicker and more athletic than we were in the past,” Akal said. “We are getting closer to being positionless because we have a lot of guys who are interchangeable. I also like the fact most of these guys have close to 90 games before they graduate to continue to get better.” Harlan’s lack of height could be a problem, Akal notes, especially against taller and more physical teams. “We’re not a very big team,” he said. “Our lack of experience could show up in a lot of ways, including being in the right place on defense.” Sophomore Jordan Akal, the coach’s son, is heading into his third season as the starting point guard following a breakout freshman campaign that
saw him average 17.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game to earn a ranking as one of the state’s best in his class. “He’s put in a leadership position now, so I’m looking for him to be a leader and continue to progress as a basketball player,” Akal said. “He may be a sophomore academically, but with the amount of basketball he’s played in high school and in AAU he has played as much as any junior or senior in the region.” Jon Eldridge, a 6-4 senior who averaged 9.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last year, will be counted on to provide the bulk of Harlan’s post scoring and rebounding. “Jon was a great rebounder last year, but we are looking for him to continue improving and provide more scoring,” Akal said. “He has put on 10-15 pounds of muscle. We expect him to be a defensive presence and a rim protector. You can put more pressure on the ball when you have a guy behind you to protect the rim.” The other starting jobs will likely be filled by sophomores Jaedyn Gist, Kaleb McLendon and Johann Gist. Jaedyn
Gist and McLendon will join Akal in the backcourt after seeing extensive action off the bench a year ago. “Kaleb is a real smart basketball player. He’s very energetic and intense and tough. He has improved so much over the last year and a half,” Akal said. “Jaeden is intense and a good rebounder and passer. He brings some toughness to the team. That experience from last year will help both of them. They both have gotten stronger. We think they will both provide some scoring.” While Akal is listed as the point guard, McLendon and Gist will handle the ball quite a bit also. “I think it makes it tougher on any man-to-man defense,” the Harlan coach said. “I like having several guys who can handle the basketball.” Johann Gist is a tremendous leaper who will be counted on to help Eldridge on the boards and play a big role on defense. “He’s a great athlete who is improving and getting better,” Akal said. “He’s a good shooter. We will look for him to
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Middlesboro Daily News /Harlan Enterprise
BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Photo by Les Nicholson Harlan guard Jordan Akal is among the state’s top-rated players in the Class of 2022. He averaged 17.2 points per game as a freshman.
Dragons From page 6 provide a defensive spark.” Charles David Morton, a senior, will be counted on to provide a 3-point threat off the bench, a role he filled admirably during summer play. “That’s what he will provide. Charles is an excellent shooter,” Akal said Jayden Ward, a 5-10 sophomore who played at Harlan County last season, will provide depth at forward, while 5-8 freshman Kyler McLendon will be a reserve guard. “We’re looking for Ward to provide us some toughness, defense and rebounding. Anything after that is a plus,” Akal said. “Kyler is one of our more talented guys with a lot of potential. He has grown some and gotten stronger.” Sophomore John Mark Bryson and junior Trey Barnes also provide depth, along with freshmen Matthew Pennington, Cameron Maples and Robert Sanford.
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“Bryson and Barnes will see some minutes. We are looking for them to give us some shooting off the bench,” Akal said. Harlan has finished as the regional All “A” Classic runner-up twice in the past three years and will be among the top contenders this year, along with Williamsburg, Barbourville and Middlesboro. “I don’t know where we will be in January, but I know we will compete every day,” Akal said. “I don’t know if there is a huge gap between one and five in the region and the same is probably true for six to 10. I think we can compete with most teams on any given night.” The Dragons have been district runner-up each of the past three seasons, finishing second to Middlesboro last year after falling to Harlan County in the finals the previous two years. Akal expects another competitive district race this season. “Harlan County beat some good teams this summer, so you’d have to put them No. 1, even though Middlesboro beat them last year,” Akal said. “It’s a tough district, but we definitely think we have a shot, especially if we continue getting better.”
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Harlan County Black Bears
Team members include, from left, front row: Josh Turner, Daniel Carmical, Jeremiah Clem, Josh Swanner, Josh Sergent, Jackson Huff and Alex Nantz; back row: Jacob Wilson, Tyler Cole, Trent Noah, Taylor Spurlock, Hunter Helton, Tristan Cooper and James Gray.
John Henson | Harlan Enterprise
Black Bears hoping for return to top in 52nd District By John Henson Sports Editor With a 6-0 district record and heading for their 20th victory in their regular season finale against Whitley County last February, the Harlan County Black Bears watched their season collapse in less than a week. The Black Bears blew a comfortable lead to lose on a last-second shot against the Colonels, then suffered their first district defeat in four years with a first-round loss to Middlesboro the following week in the 52nd District Tournament. Getting back to their pattern of playing their best basketball late in the season has been the primary objective for the Bears and coach Michael Jones in preparation for the 2020 campaign. A strong summer performance helped the Bears regain some confidence and momentum, but last year’s early exit cost them in the preseason polls. “We had some injuries the last couple of years late in the season, so we hope we can stay healthy and get better every
game like we did this summer,” Jones said. “Our goals here are always the same — win the district and win the region and get to Rupp Arena. Our kids see the rankings and they can use that as motivation, even though it’s not something we stress as coaches. We are more worried about where we stand at the end of the season than at the beginning.” With a lineup that could feature five guards, the Bears expect to be a dangerous 3-point team and had several impressive shooting performances in the summer. “We feel we can put five on the floor who could score 20 on any night,” Jones said. “We’re banking on being able to shoot the ball as well as any team we’ve put out there, especially position by position. We shot it as well this summer, at times, as any team I’ve been around. We have a chance to put up some points.” When the shots aren’t falling, however, Jones believes his team can be effective in other ways. “We have to be able to attack the basket and get to the free throw line,” Jones
said. In order to get HCHS back to the top, Jones knows team defense will have to continue improving. “We’ve really worked on defending better,” he said. “We don’t have that lockdown defender we’ve had in years past. If our defense can catch up with our offense we have a chance to be pretty good.” Taylor Spurlock (17.1 points per game last year, 5.8 rebounds per game), a 6-6 senior guard ranked among the region’s top 10 players by the Cats Pause, is the most experienced of the Bears as a three-year starter. He is the only player still with the program who saw action in the 2017 Sweet Sixteen. “Taylor and I had a talk this summer, and I thought he grew up a lot. I can’t remember any game this summer when I didn’t walk out of the gym thinking he was the best player on the floor,” Jones said. “With his length, he is hard to match up with. He can shoot over most people who defend him and does a really good job of getting to the hole and
finishing. He’s improved quite a bit there and made his overall game a lot better.” Tyler Cole (8.4, 3.7), a 6-3 junior, also returns to the lineup after a breakout sophomore season. “He struggled a little early last season but really came on after Christmas before suffering an injury that kept him out of the tournament,” Jones said. “Tyler is playing really well now. His defense has gotten a whole lot better, and he is shooting the ball extremely well.” Trent Noah, a 6-4 eighth-grader, could be a key to the Bears’ success this season as he takes over at point guard. “He proved himself this summer that he can handle that position and be an extension of me on the floor,” Jones said. “He has tons of ability. The sky is the limit for that kid. We just want him to be more aggressive. He’s one of those kids that when he shoots the ball you think it’s going to go in every time. His basketball IQ is high, he handles the ball well and he sees the floor well. He will have
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Bears From page 8 some growing pains as an eighth grader, but we have all the confidence in the world in him.” Jacob Wilson (5.5, 3.2), a 6-1 senior, is healthy after missing most of last season due to.an injury suffered in football. “It’s good to have him back,” Jones said. “He wasn’t 100 percent last year, but he is now and I thought he played real well this summer at times. He shot the ball well, and we’ll need that from him. He knows he needs to improve on the defensive end, and he’s working to do that. The better he plays defense the better he will make us.” Jackson Huff (4.2), a sophomore guard who led last year’s junior varsity team, provides another shooting threat on a wing. “Jackson gives us a spot-up shooter. That is what we need out of Jackson. We also need him to be more aggressive and handle the ball in the press offense,” Jones said. “He does a good job of defending and rebounding for his size.” Josh Turner, a 6-0 junior who stars in
BASKETBALL PREVIEW football, gives the Bears a solid defender and rebounder as the sixth man. Turner is the brother of former HCHS standout David Turner, a key player on the 2017 championship team. “He is the all-purpose player that every coach dreams about,” Jones said. “He’s like his brother in that he can do it all and plays as hard as he can possibly play. He’s always in the right position and gets everyone else in the right position. Josh will be a huge key for us this year in how successful we’ll be. He will do all the things a lot of others don’t want to do and doesn’t want any credit for it.” Junior forwards Hunter Helton and James Gray will be counted on to give the Bears some size off the bench. Senior forward Alex Nantz and senior center Elisha Smallwood could also play key roles. Guards Jonah Swanner and Daniel Carmical were impressive in the summer and lead a strong freshman class that also features forward Tristan Cooper and guard Jeremiah Clem. “We’ve got several kids we are extremely high on,” Jones said. “I have all the confidence in the world they will perform if we
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Harlan County guard Taylor Spurlock worked around Harlan’s Jon Eldridge in district action last season. Spurlock averaged 17.1 points per game last season.
Kim Henson | Harlan Enterprise
need to plug them in during certain situations. They have to be ready at all times.” After owning the 52nd District for several years, the Bears lost their stranglehold with last season’s first-round loss. Jones expects the district to again be the region’s most balanced. Harlan County was ranked slightly ahead of Bell County in most preseason polls, with Harlan and Middlesboro close behind. All four teams
were ranked among the region’s top 10 squads in the Cats Pause coaches poll. “Our district would rank as one of the toughest districts in the state the last couple of years. There is no clear-cut favorite,” Jones said. “We know we will be in for a battle every night. I think these kids learned from last year, even though it was heartbreaking at the time, and know they have to be prepared each district game.”
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Ray Welch | Daily News
The Bell County Bobcats posted an 18-12 mark in 2019.
Bobcats prepare for first year under Sizemore By John Dunn Sports Editor
The Bell County Bobcats are coming off of a season in which they won 18 games, but they fell short of expectations by falling to Harlan in the first round of the district tournament 42-38. The Bobcats are in their first year under new coach Brad Sizemore. Sizemore comes to Bell County with an impressive resume. While at North Laurel, he amassed a 160-95 record in eight years at the school. During that time, he tallied 80 wins against 13th Region opponents and 39 victories against district opposition. In his first season with North Laurel (2011-12), Sizemore advanced to the 13th Region tournament after making it to the 49th District championship. The
tral and Clay County on their way to a 13th Region title. North lost in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen that year. “We are going to try to play fast,” said Sizemore in the Appalachian Wireless Roundball Previews. “London is probably one of the fastest kids I have ever coached. It may not be pretty early, but we are going to try to work out those kinks as the season goes on. We are going to try to press and play fast. We’ve got some guys that can score the ball.” The Bobcats lost three of their top five scorers after graduating Tyler Partin and Isaac Collett, while Sean Phipps transferred to Pineville. However, they will return two of their top five scorers in London Stephney and Cameron Burnett. Stephney was second on the team in scoring last year with 12.8 points per game. Burnett rounded out the top five
scorers by averaging 5.3 points per game in his freshman campaign. Bell County shot 43% from the field last season and posted a 32% mark from downtown. They outscored their opponents 1,862 to 1,643 last season en route to posting an 18-12 overall record. ——— 2019-2020 Bobcats schedule Dec. 7 — vs Barbourville at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 — vs Harlan County at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 — at Estill County at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 — at Harlan at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 — at Ingomar (New Albany), MS at Gatlinburg-Pittman at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20 — TBA at Gatlinburg-Pittman Dec. 21 — TBA at Gatlinburg-Pittman Dec. 27 — Barren County at South Laurel Dec. 28 — TBA at South Laurel Dec. 29 — TBA at South Laurel
Jan. 3 — at Middlesboro at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4 — Montgomery County at South Laurel at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7 — vs Williamsburg at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 — Knox Central at Multiple Locations at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 — vs Knox Central at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 — at Harlan County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 — vs Southwestern at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 — vs South Laurel at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 — vs Henry Clay at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 — vs Harlan at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 — at Barbourville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 — vs Middlesboro at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 — at Clay County at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 — vs Rockcastle County at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 — at Williamsburg at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 — at Whitley County at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 — vs Perry County Central at
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Ray Welch | Daily News The Pineville Mountain Lions will be led by first-year head coach Brad Levy. Levy has nine years of coaching experience, including time at Scott County Middle School, Scott County High School and Franklin County High School.
Levy takes the reins for Pineville Mountain Lions By John Dunn Sports Editor
The Pineville boys basketball team is gearing up for their first season under new head coach Brad Levy. Levy has nine years of coaching experience, including time at Scott County Middle School, Scott County High School and Franklin County High School. While at Scott County High School, Levy was an assistant coach for both junior varsity and varsity and helped lead the Cardinals to the Sweet 16 in 2012 and 2014. Announced as the coach in May, he is entasked with helping lead Pineville to a more successful year than the one they saw in 2019.
19 season with a 10-19 record and a first round district tournament loss to the Knox Central Panthers at home. “We’ve been practicing hard,” said Levy. “We’ve been focusing on our defense more than anything. We’ve made a lot more headway defensively than offensively right now. We’re really trying to change the culture of only wanting to play offense.” Pineville shot less than 40% from the field last season and less than 30% from the three-point line. They were outscored 1,906 to 1,554 on the season. The Lions are returning three of their top five scorers from last season. They graduated three seniors last year, and have a much older team this year with
eight seniors on the roster. They return two of their top four scorers in Dalton Mason and Keean Fuson. Mason was second on the team last season in scoring, averaging 10.1 points per game. Fuson was fourth on the team, averaging 4.9 points per game. Also returning are seniors Landon Couch and Clay Goodin. Couch was a leader on the boards a year ago hauling in a team-high 6.1 rebounds per game. Goodin tallied 9.4 points while shooting 43 percent from the field in 14 games. Without trying to put a number on the amount of wins this season, Levy says that his team will play hard no matter what. “We’ve done a lot to get better,” he
said. “We’ve done a good job of getting in shape, improving on our fundamentals and playing a full game. I don’t want to put a number on wins and losses, but we are going to play as hard as we can no matter what for four quarters.” Pineville opens the season on Dec. 3 against Red Bird on the road. ———————————————2019-2020 Mountain Lions schedule Dec. 3 — at Red Bird at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 — vs Thomas Walker at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 — vs Oneida Baptist Institute at Williamsburg 13th Region All “A” Classic at 7 p.m.
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Pineville From page 12 Dec. 13 — vs Middlesboro at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 — at Berea (Bill Smallwood Classic) at 5 p.m. Dec. 16 — vs Buckhorn at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 — vs Oneida Baptist Institute at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 — vs Pigeon Forge, Tenn. at 7 p.m. Dec. 23 — at Mercer County at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 3 — at Jackson County at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 — at Harlan at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 — vs J. Frank White Academy at 5 p.m. Jan. 11 — at Williamsburg away 13th Region All “A” Classic at noon Jan. 13 — TBA at Williamsburg 13th Region All “A” Classic Jan. 14 — TBA at Williamsburg 13th Region All “A” Classic Jan. 14 — at Lynn Camp at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 — at Thomas Walker at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 21 — at Whitley County at 7:30
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p.m. Jan. 23 — vs Barbourville at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 — vs Jackson County at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 — at Middlesboro at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 — vs Jackson City at Buckhorn (Scott Blank Classic) at noon Feb. 4 — vs Rockcastle County at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 — vs Harlan at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 — at Barbourville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 — vs Knox Central at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 — at Oneida Baptist Institute at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 — at Pigeon Forge, Tenn. at 3 p.m. Feb. 18 — vs Red Bird at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 — vs Williamsburg at 7 p.m.
Ray Welch | Daily News Gionni Hudson looks to get by Eli Thompson during a scrimmage at “Meet the Lions” early in November.
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Harlan County Lady Bears
Team members include, from left, front row: Kelly Beth Hoskins, Isabelle Kirby, Hannah Wood, Morgan Blakley, Dixie Ewing, Tatum Griffin and Hailey Austin; back row: Jaylin Preston, Jaylin Smith, Aliyah Cloud, Kassy Owens, Taylor Lunsford, Emma Mulkey, Scarlett Rowe and Haley Middleton.
John Henson | Harlan Enterprise
Expectations remain high for rebuilding Lady Bears By John Henson Sports Editor With four straight trips to the 13th Region Tournament finals, the Harlan County Lady Bears on the 2020 roster have known nothing but success throughout their high school careers. Debbie Green is counting on that tradition to help this year’s young squad exceed expectations and rebuild on the run. The Lady Bears lost four senior starters from last year’s 23-7 squad that won a third straight 52nd District title. The Lady Bears were hit hard by graduation the previous year also, losing three of their top six players from the program’s first regional championship squad, including all-state guard Blair Green, who is now at the University of Kentucky. “Our girls know how to win. They’ve never lost a district championship and they’ve been to the regional championship every year of high school,” Green said. “They have a lot of confidence and high expectations. They know what it takes to win and how hard you have to work.” Senior forward Morgan Blakley is the most experienced Lady Bear re-
turning, averaging 8.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a starter last year. Blakley also had a big summer, taking over as the team’s most consistent scorer. “Morgan is our leading returning scorer and rebounder who always gives us a lot of hustle and effort,” Green said. “She helps push the tempo for us and is a good leader with high expectations. She knows what it takes. She really took on a big scoring and rebounding load for us this summer.” Hannah Wood, last year’s sixth man, takes over as the starting point guard as a senior. Wood is the team’s best 3-point shooter and ball handler. “She has a lot of maturity. Playing and practicing with the kids we had the last three years gave her a lot of valuable experience,” Green said. “She knows how to manage our team. I expect a lot of leadership from her. We also expect to get more offense from Hannah because she is a good shooter and can get to the basket. We need her to push the ball up the floor and handle pressure.” Junior guard Kelly Beth Hoskins will be counted on to provide another
3-point threat, and Green is expecting more consistency this season. “She has also played behind some very good players and had a really good preseason. She is working hard,” Green said. “Her ball handling has gotten better and she is a good shooter.” Kassy Owens, a 5-11 junior, will take over as the Lady Bears’ top post player after a strong junior varsity campaign last season. “She has had a good summer and preseason. She is a good rebounder who is a good athlete all the way around,” Green said. “We will rely on Kassy for scoring and rebounding. I think she will help us a lot this year.” Sophomore guard Jaylin Smith showed in last year’s junior varsity season that she is capable of getting to the basket and could be one of the team’s most improved players. “Jaylin had an awesome summer and preseason,” Green said. “She is a slasher who can get to the basket and draw fouls. She is a hard-nosed player with a lot of grit.” Sophomore guard Jaylin Preston provides a defensive presence off the bench and could also help with ball
handling duties. “She is getting better every practice,” Green said. “She is really quick and she can handle the basketball and get to the basket. She isn’t intimidated by anyone. She just needs more experience, and I think we will get better as the year goes on.” Senior forward Dixie Ewing is back after missing last season with a knee injury and will be counted on to help the Lady Bears in the post. “I think Dixie will really help us late in the year as she works back from an ACL injury,” Green said. “She has some nice moves to the basket and is getting quicker. She is a good rebounder and a good leader. She can really help us if she can get back to 100 percent.” Several freshmen could also play a role on the varsity, led by guards Hailey Austin and Tatum Griffin and 5-11 center Taylor Lunsford. “Austin is a good defensive player who can shoot the 3 and get to the basket,” Green said. “Taylor has gotten.a lot better, especially finishing around the basket. Griffin has got a
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Expectations From page 14 lot of grit and is very quick and can shoot the 3.” Other freshmen who will contribute include guards Isabel Kirby, Scarlett Rowe and Emma Mulkey. Junior Haley Middleton will also see action. Several middle school players could also help, including eighthgrade guard Jenna Wilson and eighth-grade forward Paige Phillips. Seventh-grade guards Kylie Noe and Kylie Jones could also see action after leading their respective teams to a showdown in the middle school county finals. Without some of the elite athletes they’ve had the past three years, the Lady Bears are adjusting to take advantage of their strengths. “This team might have to do things differently, especially on defense, but this is one of the most coachable teams. I’ve had,” Green said. “They are hard working kids who will give me everything they have. I’m enjoying working with this group.” Expectations remain high, even though the Lady Bears weren’t ranked as high in the preseason as the past several seasons. “They don’t expect anything less than a 20-win season and a district championship,” Green said. “You have to take it one game at a time once you get to that point. We’re not one of the top three or four teams in the region this year going into the season, but we had a good summer and we think we’ll continue to get better.”
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Harlan County senior forward Morgan Blakley went up for a shot in last year’s 13th Region Tournament win over Lynn Camp. Blakley is the only returning starter for the Lady Bears, who have won three straight 52nd District Tournament titles.
Photo by Les Nicholson
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
Ray Welch | Daily News
The Bell County Lady Cats are hoping to make it back to a district championship game in 2019.
Lady Cats aim at 52nd District title in 2020 By John Dunn Sports Editor
After competing for a district championship in 2018 and falling short to Harlan County, the Bell County Lady Cats are looking to build off of last season. “We’ve worked very hard over the Summer,” said head coach David Teague. “We’ve really focused on getting in shape, working on our fundamentals and just improving at everything we can.” As one of the youngest teams in the region last year, the Lady Cats return most of their players from a year ago, including their top two scorers from last season in Abby Harris and Ashtyn Meyers. Harris has been a mainstay in the Lady Cat starting line-up for some time now. Last year, she ended the season averaging a team-high 17.6 points while shooting just under 40 percent from the field
and 34.7 percent from beyond the arc. She also tallied 5.8 rebounds per game, tied for second most on the team. Meyers, a freshman last year, averaged 11.6 points while at a 31 percent clip from the field. Bell County is just as young this season, featuring 13 players ranging from 7th grade to 10th grade. They return two seniors to the floor in Harris and MaryKate Smith, who played in 26 games a year ago. “We’ve got two seniors that bring a lot of experience and leadership to the team,” said Teague. “We expect big things out of them and everyone else on the team this year.” They shot just under 35% from the field last season and 31% from deep. They were outscored 1,565 to 1,788 on the year. “We are a pretty young team, but
we have a lot of great players,” he said. “We’ve got some great leadership that is helping steer the team in the right direction.” After hitting a rough patch down the final stretch of the regular season, the Lady Cats found themselves in position for a district title. After avenging an earlier season loss to Middlesboro, Bell County lost in the 52nd District title game 71-50 to Harlan County. They made an early exit in the 13th Region tournament, falling to South Laurel 72-30. Teague said the team’s goal this year is to compete for a district title. “Our goal is to compete for a district championship,” said the Lady Cat coach. “There are a lot of competitive teams in the 52nd District, and hopefully we give ourselves a chance to compete and win some games this season. “We also want to do well in the 2A
Classic this year again. That was something that was big for our team last year. If we can do all of that and make it to the regional tournament — once you’re there, anything can happen.” The Lady Cats open the season on the road against the Clay County Tigers on Dec. 5. ——— 2019-20 Lady Cats schedule Dec. 5 — at Clay County at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 — vs. Lincoln County at South Laurel at 1 p.m. Dec. 10 — vs. Harlan County at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 — vs. Johnson Central at Breathitt County at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 — at Harlan at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 — vs. North Hardin at North Bullitt at 8 p.m. Dec. 21 — TBA at North Bullitt See LADY CATS | 17
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Lady Cats From page 16 Dec. 22 — TBA at North Bullitt Dec. 27 — vs. Bath County at Greenwood at 2 p.m. Dec. 27 — vs. Dawson Springs at Greenwood at 10 a.m. Dec. 28 — TBA at Greenwood Jan. 3 — at Middlesboro at 6 p.m. Jan. 9 — vs. Knox Central at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 — vs. TBA at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 — at Leslie County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 — at Harlan County at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 — vs. Corbin at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 — at Barbourville at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 — vs. Harlan at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 — at Knox Central at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 — vs. Middlesboro at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 — vs. Red Bird at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 — vs. Pineville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 — at J. Frank White Academy at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 — vs. Whitley County at 7:30 p.m.
Ray Welch | Daily News Sara Kidwell dribbles the ball during last year’s 13th Region tournament game against South Laurel.
Ray Welch | Daily News Abby Harris drives to the basket during a scrimmage against North Laurel. The senior guard was the Lady Cats’ leading scorer a year ago averaging 17.6 points per game.
Ashtyn Meyers gets past a North Laurel defender during a scrimmage. As a freshman last year, she averaged 11.6 points.
Ray Welch | Daily News
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan E nterprise
Ray Welch | Daily News
The Pineville Lady Lions finished the 2019 season with a 16-14 record while going 4-2 in district play.
Pineville girls basketball looks to improve in 2020 By John Dunn Sports Editor
The Pineville Lady Lions are coming into the 2019-2020 season looking to improve on what was a fairly successful year last season. Head coach Jamie Mills is in his sixth season with the team and looking to continue adding wins to his all-time list. Although they finished the season with a winning record of 16-14, they fell short of expectation by dropping their last five games, including a first round district loss to Lynn Camp at home. “There are advantages to playing at a small school,” Mills said in the Appalachian Wireless Roundball Previews.
they represent their community — they want to represent their town. They take a lot of pride in that. “They carry that with them and that just makes them play so much harder. You’re not just playing for yourself. You’re playing for your team, your school and your town.” The Lady Lions shot less than 35% from the field last season, including a 28% mark from deep. They outscored their opponents 1,469 to 1,369 on the year. Pineville returns their two leading scorers from last season in Whitney Caldwell and Raigan King. The duo has been a key point in the Lady Lions success of the past two years. Last year, Caldwell paced the team average 16.5
points per game. King wasn’t far behind tallying 16 points per game while shooting at a team-high 66.5 percent from the field. King also led the team in rebounding with 8.9 rebounds per game. Caldwell was second on the team with 5.9 boards per contest. Another player who could make an immediate impact for the Lady Lions is Middlesboro transfer Brittney Davis. The senior guard finished last season averaging 7.8 points while hauling in almost three rebounds per game. Davis also showcased her abilities during her sophomore year with Bell County, when she averaged 9.9 points per game. The Lady Lions are much younger this year, with 10 players ranging from 7th
grade to 10th grade. Pineville notched two big wins against Lynn Camp last season before falling to them in the district tournament. They posted a 4-2 mark in district play in 2018. The Lady Lions tip-off the season on the road against the Corbin Lady Redhounds on Dec. 2. ————————————————— ————————— 2019-2020 Lady Lions schedule Dec. 2 — at Corbin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 — vs Thomas Walker at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 — vs Red Bird at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 — at Jackson County at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 — vs Middlesboro at 6 p.m.
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Lady Lions From page 18 Dec. 16 — vs Williamsburg at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 — vs South Oldham at Nelson County at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 — TBA at Nelson County Dec. 21 — TBA at Nelson County Dec. 22 — TBA at Nelson County Jan. 3 — vs Jackson County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6 — vs Oneida Baptist Institute Jan. 14 — at Oneida Baptist Institute at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 — at Thomas Walker at 1 p.m. Jan. 20 — vs Lynn Camp at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 — at Red Bird at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 — at Clay County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 — vs Whitley County at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 — vs Barbourville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 — vs Oneida Baptist Institute at 3 p.m. Feb. 3 — at J. Frank White Academy at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 — at Madison Southern at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 — vs Knox Central at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 — at Harlan at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 — vs Bell County at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 — vs Corbin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 — at Middlesboro at 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Hall makes her way along the baseline during the “Meet the Lions” scrimmage.
Whitney Caldwell gets past a defender during the “Meet the Lions” scrimmage.
Raigan King grabs a rebound during the “Meet the Lions” scrimmage.
Photos by Ray Welch | Daily News
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The Middlesboro Lady Jackets have 13 players ranging from 7th grade to 10th grade. They’re looking to win back-to-back 13th Region All “A” Classic championships.
Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise
John Dunn | Daily News
Young Lady Jackets seeking second 13th Region All A title By John Dunn Sports Editor After winning the 13th Region All A Classic in the 2018-19 season, the Middlesboro Lady Jackets are looking to surprise people in 2020. Middlesboro finished last year with an overall record of 12-18, including a 4-3 mark in district play. They finished the season with an opening round district tournament loss to in-county rival Bell County. Despite that, the Lady Jackets went on a tear in January during the 13th Region All A tournament. After an opening round victory over Barbourville, Middlesboro scrapped their way to a 51-50 victory over Pineville. The Lady Jackets secured the title with a 44-38 win over
Middlesboro would eventually fall 59-35 to Holy Cross (Covington) in the All A State Tournament. The Lady Jackets shot 33% from the field last season and 22% from outside. They were outscored 1,363 to 1,531 on the year. They graduated three seniors last year, including leading scorer Bailey Woody, but return Kailey Owens, who was second on the team in scoring with 11.1 points per game. Middlesboro only has two seniors this season but has 13 players ranging from 7th grade to 10th grade. The Lady Jackets return three of their top six scorers. Kailey Owens led the team in rebounding last season with 7.8 rebounds per game and was second on the team in scoring with 11.1 points per game. Gracie Gent was second on the team in rebounding and fourth on
the team in scoring with 3.2 points per game. Grace Moles was sixth on the team last season in scoring, averaging 2.5 points per game. “I see a lot of things in the younger girls that fit what we want to do in the future,” said head coach Scott Overbay. “A lot of those younger girls are going to see a lot of minutes for us this season.” “We’ve got a lot of young players,” he said. “I really like what I see from them. They work hard, they want to be here, they want to get better — that’s what we need.” Although his team is young, Overbay says that his upperclassmen are helping guide the younger players in the right direction. “Our upperclassmen do a great job of keeping the younger players focused,” he said. “They take them under their wing
like big sisters, but if they need to be told what they’re doing wrong, they do that too and that’s the mixture we need to have.” The Lady Jackets are facing a tough schedule this season beginning with Lynn Camp at home on Dec. 2. “They want their picture to be hanging in the locker room just like the team who won the All “A” last season,” said Overbay. “We have a tough schedule this year, but I think just like last year, we will surprise some people this season.” ————————————————— ————————— 2019-2020 Lady Jackets schedule Dec. 2 — vs Lynn Camp at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 — at Knox Central at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 — at Harlan at 6 p.m.
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Lady Jackets From page 20 Dec. 7 — Boyle County at South Laurel at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 — at Pineville at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 — at Harlan County at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 — at Corbin at 8 p.m. Dec. 20 — TBA at Corbin Dec. 21 — TBA at Corbin Dec. 26 — Oldham County at Berea at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 27 — TBA at Berea Dec. 28 — TBA at Berea Jan. 3 — vs Bell County at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 — vs Harlan at Pineville at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 — at Wolfe County at 4 p.m. Jan. 17 — at Williamsburg at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 — vs Harlan County at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 — at Red Bird at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 —vs Harlan at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 —at Bell County at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 — vs Wolfe County at 4 p.m. Feb. 10 — at Lynn Camp at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 — vs McCreary Central at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 — vs Knox Central at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 — at Barbourville at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 — vs Red Bird at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 — vs Pineville at 7:30 p.m.
Kailey Owens shots a short jumper during Middlesboro’s game against Bell County last season. She averaged 11.1 points a year ago.
Gracie Gent lines up for a free throw during a game last year.
Photos by Ray Welch | Daily News Baylee Woody drives in for a basket during Middlesboro’s 2019 match-up with Bell County. The Jackets will be without Woody this year after graduation.
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Harlan Lady Dragons
Team members include, from left, front row: Ella Karst, Faith Hoskins, Peighton Jones, Marissa Marlowe, Kaylee Leslie, Natalee King, Angel Wynn, Alli Thompson, Campbell Nunez, Emma Owens, and Aymanni Wynn; back row: Abbie Jones, Ella Lisenbee, coach Amanda Vance, coach Chris Morgan, coach Tiffany Hamm, manager Madison Forrester, Abbi Fields, Ava Nunez and Addison Jackson.
John Henson | Harlan Enterprise
Harlan ready to begin climb back to contender status By John Henson Sports Editor From 27-win seasons in 2016 and 2017 that ended with 13th Region Tournament titles, the Harlan Lady Dragons went through the letdown that usually comes with success, especially for Class A schools with limited numbers. Harlan dropped to 16-16 in 2018 after losing all-state guard Jordan Brock to Tennessee Tech. With four other starters graduating the next year, Harlan fell to 8-22 in 2019. Whether the Lady Dragons reached bottom last spring will soon be determined as three starters are back for Tiffany Hamm’s third season as head coach. Effort was never a problem for the Lady Dragons during last year’s rebuilding campaign and Hamm expects that hard work to pay off once again on the defensive end. “I feel defense should be a strength for us. We have a lot of kids who move well and can fly around,” Hamm said. “I think they have bought into what we are trying to do defensively that will help create some offense. “Our offense isn’t as far along as our defense, but that is probably pretty common for many teams at this point.”
9.3 rebounds per game last season) is the last link to Harlan’s regional championship teams and is the only senior on this year’s squad. King, at 5-10, can play numerous positions and is one of the region’s top all-around players with her ability to block shots and rebound. “She is so versatile. She is good at all aspects of the game. She is a good rebounder, can push it in transition and is a pretty good shooter,” Hamm said. “She gets a lot of blocks and steals. I know we were down last year, but I thought she was the best player on the floor a lot of times last season.” Allí Thompson (2.3, 5.4), a 5-5 junior, is the Lady Dragons’ top defender at forward. “She is our best on-ball defender. She is very good on that end of the floor with her ability to help others in addition to the person she’s guarding,” Hamm said. “She just needs to keep working on the offensive side. She loves to foul, but we need her on the floor. She has to be more disciplined.” Ella Karst (5.1, 3.3), an eighth-grader who started last year on a wing, will likely take over for Payeton Charles at point guard. Charles led the Lady Dragons last season, averaging just under 16 points a game while handling the bulk of the ball-handling
duties. “She played all last season as a 12-year-old seventh-grader, but her maturity level is above her age. Ella handles tough situations well,” Hamm said. “She was very productive for us and handled everything as well as you could hope. She is one of our better shooters and better ball-handlers.” Emma Owens, an eighth-grader, will also see action at point guard after playing almost exclusively on the junior varsity team last year. “She is very quick with active hands. She gets after it defensively and can push the ball on offense,” Hamm said. “She is pretty strong for her size.” Angel Wynn (2.1, 2.5), a 5-5 junior, will step in at two guard after playing a key reserve role last season. “She is a very good shooter who can attack the basket,” Hamm said. “She has improved her ball-handling. I thought that was a weakness for her in the past, but she is doing a better job of making decisions this season.” Kaylee Leslie (1.4, 3.1), a 5-9 junior, is the probable starter at center if she can work her way back from an ankle injury that has kept her sidelined through much of the preseason. “Ideally, she will be our center. She just has to stay healthy,” Hamm said. “If we can keep her on the floor, she can help us. She is our biggest player
with some back-to-the basket ability.” Freshman Peighton Jones and eighth-grader Aymanni Wynn will also see action off the bench. “Peighton is a little undersized at forward, but she is super smart. She is usually in the right place at the right time,” Hamm said. “Aymanni is a lot like Natalee with guard and post skills. She has size and strength but can shoot the ball from the outside. She is very well rounded and will continue to get better. She could play two through five.” Freshmen Campbell Nunez and Marissa Marlow also provide depth, along with eighth-grader Faith Hoskins. With depth still a concern, Hamm would like to see the Lady Dragons avoid the foul problems that cost them in several close games last season. “Being disciplined defensively is a key for us to keep us out of foul trouble,” Hamm said. “We need to do our jobs defensively to make our defense as a whole work better. “Offensively, we’ll rely on Natalee and Ella and Angel a lot, but I hope some other kids can gain some confidence.” Winning the 13th Region All “A” Classic is always a goal for the Lady
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Harlan From page 22 Dragons, especially with no clear-cut favorites this season. “I feel Pineville and Middlesboro should have pretty good All ‘A’ teams, and of course Williamsburg is still a contender, but I think it’s open,” said Hamm, who also expects a competitive 52nd District with HCHS also rebuilding after three straight titles. “I think the district will be pretty competitive every night.” While the Lady Dragons still have plenty of room for improvement, Hamm knows the first step is continuing to play hard. “Our effort is great. The kids have good enthusiasm,” she said. “Our individual skills and skill development haven’t matched that effort. That’s something we’ve really tried to improve upon. I think once our skill level matches up with our effort we’ll be more successful. We’re still in the growth process now of getting our skills where they need to be.”
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Harlan senior forward Natalee King is back to lead the Lady Dragons after averaging 15 points and over nine rebounds per game last season.
Chris Jones | Harlan Enterprise
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Middlesboro Daily News/Harlan Enterprise