Bears get off to a fast start in Senior Night win over Lions

Harlan County seniors Reggie Cottrell, Brennan Blevins and Kayden Hensley lead the way in 68-53 victory over Pineville

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Harlan County seniors Reggie Cottrell, Brennan Blevins and Kayden Hensley went out with a 68-53 win Thursday over Pineville in their final home game of their high school basketball careers. The Bears built a 27-point lead before turning the game over to the reserves in the fourth quarter. Cottrell and Blevins tied for the team lead with 16 points each, while junior guard Trent Cole added 11 points as the Bears improved to 16-9 on the season.

Why it matters

The win was a fitting sendoff for the Harlan County seniors, who have experienced more success than 99% of players in the history of the program. The Bears and Pineville Lions were both regional semifinalists a year ago, but the Lions lost all five starters to graduation and are in a rebuilding year.

The details

The Bears trailed only once at 2-0 and built their advantage to as many as 27 points before turning the game over to the reserves over the final six minutes. Blevins and Cottrell each had three baskets in the first quarter as the Bears forced six turnovers to build a 20-9 lead. All six HC baskets in the second quarter were 3-pointers, led by two from Landon Brock, to push the lead to 38-20. Blevins had three baskets in the third quarter as the Bears' advantage grew to 55-31.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Harlan County travels to Harlan on Friday, February 14, 2026 for a girls/boys district doubleheader.
  • Pineville is at home against Casey County on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Reggie Cottrell

A senior on the Harlan County basketball team.

Brennan Blevins

A senior on the Harlan County basketball team.

Kayden Hensley

A senior on the Harlan County basketball team.

Trent Cole

A junior guard on the Harlan County basketball team.

Kyle Jones

The head coach of the Harlan County basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We played really hard the first half. We were out of position a little at times and Pineville was playing a slow pace. I'm pleased and happy for those guys. They have got to experience more than 99 percent of the people who have played basketball in the history of Harlan County. They've got to experience a lot, and I'm super proud of them. They are all great kids. But we're not done. We know we have a big district game tomorrow at Harlan. We have to be ready to go.”

— Kyle Jones, Head Coach (harlanenterprise.net)

“We were a little undermanned with Noah Slone out and pretty beaten up, but I was proud of our fight. Harlan County is a good team and program and I have a lot of respect for them and for coach Jones. We didn't shoot it great until toward the end. Our goal right now is to stay as healthy as we can. I'm proud of the way our kids have hung together. We are really young and inexperienced, but we're getting lessons on the fly. I feel we've come a long way since December.”

— Brad Levy, Pineville Head Coach (harlanenterprise.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.