With more than half of its slate already played, it’s safe to say there isn’t a team that has surprised more than Derrick Akal’s Harlan Green Dragons or what I like to call them, “Dunk City Dragons”.
I’ll be the first to admit, I underestimated what the Green Dragons could accomplish this season but to my defense, I thought the graduation of last season’s leading scorer, Jordan Akal (25.2 points per game), would be tough for Harlan to replace.
Boy, was I wrong.
Instead players such as Kyler, and Kaleb McLendon, Jaedyn Gist, Will Austin, Trenton Cole, Matthew Pennington, and Dylan Cox have taken their play to another level while establishing Harlan as the top ranked team in the 13th Region.
The Green Dragons (15-2 overall, 6-0 against 13th Region opponents) are fresh off winning their fourth consecutive 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic championship along with winning the WYMT Mountain Classic.
Not only are they the top-ranked team in the L4 Security 13th Region Media Network’s rankings but also the top-rated team in the region based off the KHSAA’s latest RPI ratings.
Yes, the Green Dragons are legit.
Their athleticism is top-notch, and if you don’t believe me, just watch them play.
If Harlan’s players aren’t dunking on every other offensive possession, they’re either nailing 3-pointers or driving to the basket for a layup.
They’re averaging 10.2 made 3-pointers per game while scoring 75.1 points per game.
The Green Dragons could very well possess the most balanced scoring team in the region.
They have five players that could score in double figures in any game, and a couple that come off the bench that can score as well.
Kyler McLendon leads the team with a 21.1 scoring average (as reported on the KHSAA website through 16 games). He’s also connected with 49 3-pointers. Senior Jaedyn Gist can do it all. He’s averaging 14.7 points per game while pulling down 9.4 rebounds per game.
Kaleb McLendon is averaging 14.6 points per game, and 5.7 rebounds per game. He’s also connected with a team-best 63 3-pointers while shooting 42 percent behind the arc. Will Austin’s 10.3 scoring average ranks fourth on the team but his 11.3 rebounds per game average is tops for Harlan.
Trenton Cole is averaging 7.6 points per game, but has already shown he’s capable of scoring 30 points in a contest at any given time. His 42.2 shooting average from 3-point range leads the Green Dragons. He’s knocked down 35-of-83 shot attempts from long range.
Both Dylan Cox (2.3), and Matthew Pennington (2.5) have provided Harlan quality minutes as well.
The Green Dragons still have the All ‘A’ Classic State Tournament to play along with two matchups against Harlan County and Clay County, and games against Pikeville, and South Laurel.
Don’t think this team is going away anytime soon.
The Green Dragons already possess wins over South Laurel, Hazard, Perry Central, Pikeville, and Ashland.
What’s even more impressive?
They’ve only played one game at home.
This team is talented, and very, very good.
Harlan has a good chance to end its 22-year winless drought at the 13th Region Tournament, and could very well capture its first region title, and 12th overall, since 1996.
Coach Akal will be the first to tell you a lot of work remains ahead for his team to accomplish the feats mentioned, but I’m certain each of those are very attainable.
What Harlan has accomplished so far isn’t a fluke by no means.
The Green Dragons are the real deal.
