Napier ignites late HCHS run in victory over 14th Region favorite

Harlan County guard scores 12 of her 20 points in a 19-8 run to end the game against Hazard.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Taylynn Napier scored 12 of her game-high 20 points in a 19-8 run to end the game, leading the Harlan County Lady Bears to a 50-41 victory over Hazard, the 14th Region's top-rated team and preseason favorite. Reagan Clem and Jaylee Cochran added 11 points each for the 13-11 Lady Bears, who are one win away from clinching a winning record for the season. Hazard had won four straight coming into the game and is 9-0 against 14th Region competition.

Why it matters

This was a significant win for the Harlan County Lady Bears, who were able to defeat the preseason favorite in the 14th Region. The victory puts them in a good position to finish the regular season with a winning record and builds momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

With Harlan County trailing by two early in the fourth quarter, Taylynn Napier went on a personal 7-0 run to give the Lady Bears the lead, which they would not relinquish. Napier tied the game with a drive, then stole the ball and drained a 3-pointer before drawing a foul on the next possession and hitting two free throws. Napier scored 12 of her game-high 20 points during this decisive stretch.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026 as part of the Donnie Gray Shootout at Clay County.

The players

Taylynn Napier

A guard for the Harlan County Lady Bears who scored a game-high 20 points, including 12 in a crucial 19-8 run to end the game.

Reagan Clem

A player for the Harlan County Lady Bears who scored 11 points.

Jaylee Cochran

A player for the Harlan County Lady Bears who scored 11 points.

Maddi Frohnapfel

A player for the Hazard Lady Dogs who scored 11 points.

Laura Everidge

A player for the Hazard Lady Dogs who scored 11 points.

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What they’re saying

“She drives me crazy sometimes, but she is playing well and shooting the ball real well right now. She doesn't shy away from big moments.”

— Gary Greer, Harlan County coach (harlanenterprise.net)

What’s next

Harlan County closes its regular season schedule against two more 14th Region opponents, playing its home finale Tuesday against Letcher Central before traveling to Leslie County on Friday.

The takeaway

This victory over the 14th Region's preseason favorite demonstrates the Harlan County Lady Bears' ability to step up in big moments and compete with the top teams in their region. The team's balanced scoring and Taylynn Napier's clutch performance down the stretch show they have the potential to make a deep postseason run.