Black Bears capture first district soccer title in school history

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The Harlan County soccer team captured the 50th District Tournament title with a 2-1 win over Barbourville on Wednesday. The 8-6 Black Bears advance to regional competition.

Harlan County captured the 50th District Tournament championship with a 2-1 win over Barbourville on Wednesday.
The Black Bears avenged two previous losses to Barbourville in the regular season. Cayden Shanks had both goals for the Bears while earning tournament most valuable player honors. David Blas recorded an assist.
The 8-6 Black Bears advance to the regional tournament and will play North Laurel on Sunday at Union College.
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Knox Central rolled to a 9-1 win over Harlan County in the girls district finals.
Makenzi Hopper led the Lady Panthers with four goals and one assist. Ivy Party had three goals. Abi Beller had two goals and one assist. Taylor Payne contributed two assists and Jadyan Belile added one.
Abigail Gaw scored Harlan County’s goal. Riley Key had an assist.
Brooklyn Crider had six goalkeeper saves, while Shyanna Risner added five and Livia Gilbert contributed one.
Harlan County will play Saturday in the regional tournament at Corbin.
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Both Harlan County soccer teams advanced to the finals of the tournament at Barbourville.
The HCHS boys improved to 7-6 on the season with a 4-1 win over Middlesboro on Tuesday.
Haiden Mefford led the Bears with two goals. Cayden Shanks and Matthew Jones added one goal each. Ray Splawn added an assist. Travis Burkhart had two goalkeeper saves.
The HCHS girls defeated Middlesboro 2-1 to improve to 5-8 on the season going into the district championship game against Knox Central.
Natalie Bolin had both goals for the Lady Bears. Victoria Day and Leah Taulbee each contributed assists.
Brooklyn Crider recorded 14 goalkeeper saves.
Knox Central advanced to the finals with a 10-0 win over Bell County.