With a four-year streak of 52nd District championships to their credit and a senior-dominated roster returning with their sights set on a fifth title, the Harlan Lady Dragons are comfortable with their role as district favorites going into the 2019 season.

“I feel we’ve grown and gotten accustomed to each other,” said Shawna Cox, who enters her second year as coach.

Harlan struggled at times with consistency last season and finished 12-15, but Cox says the Lady Dragons are more advanced this year with five starters coming back and are off to a strong 4-1 start, including district victories over Bell County and Harlan County.

“It was a learning process for us both, the seniors and me, last year coming in new,” she said. “I think they learned a lot about me and I know them better.”

Natalee King, a basketball standout, is a force around the net for the Lady Dragons and was a difference maker in several matches last season.

“I expect a lot out of Natalee this year. She did real well with her spikes and attacks and I expect more of that this year,” Cox said. “She is possibly looking to play in college.”

Haven Saylor, a multi-sport standout who also excels in softball, brings energy on a nightly basis.

“She is a mover and gets high sets,” Cox said. “She can play both back and front and does a great job either place. She is also our main setter, along with Emma Fisher.”

Madelyn Haynes also provides quite a bit of big-game experience and led the Lady Dragons in their win at Harlan County.

“Mady has improved quite a bit this season,” Cox said. “She is getting her serves over real well this year and got us quite a few points in the Bell County game last week. I’m proud of her.”

Hannah Jones also plays an important role as a returning starter.

“Hannah has really stepped up for us this year on the front line. She works well with the rest of the team,” Cox said.

Fisher is another of the improved Lady Dragons, and she plays an important role as a setter.

“She is doing a great job of setting the girls up,” Cox said. “She is moving a lot better this year and has more enthusiasm for the game this year.”

Lauren Nunez moves into the starting lineup and adds to the Lady Dragons’ balance.

“She has really improved her serving,” Cox said. “She has become very consistent. She does very well on the back line for us with her hustle.”

Kailey Cornett also plays a key role as she alternates with Nunez.

“She has done real well on the front line,” Cox said. “We like to sub her and Lauren in and out for each other.”

Ashton West is a first-year senior who will also provide some depth.

“She has a real enthusiasm for the game and is a good team player,” Cox said.

Cox likes how the Lady Dragons have played early this season and says having an experienced team could make this year’s squad one of the best in school history.

“We’ve gotten stronger as a team,” Cox said. “I think they are really wanting to fight for that title this year as seniors.”

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Harlan schedule

Aug. 19 Knox CentralL

Aug. 20 Bell County W

Aug. 22 at Pineville W

Aug. 24 at Barbourville W

Aug. 26 at Harlan CountyW

Aug. 27 at Thomas Walker, Va. L

Sept. 3 at Oneida Baptist

Sept. 5 at Middlesboro

Sept. 6 13th Region All “A” Classic

vs Red Bird

Sept. 7 13th Region All “A” Classic

Sept. 9 Pineville

Sept. 10 Letcher Central

Sept. 13 Rocky Top Classic

Sept. 14 Rocky Top Classic

Sept. 17 Harlan County

Sept. 23 at Bell County

Sept. 26 Middlesboro

Sept. 30 Thomas Walker, Va,

Oct. 1 at Letcher Central

Oct. 14 Barbourville

Oct. 15 Oneida Baptist

Oct. 17 at Knox Central

Harlan roster

Harlan roster

Sr. Kailey Cornett 2

Sr. Haven Saylor 4

Sr. Hannah Jones 8

Sr. Lauren Nunez 10

Sr. Madelyn Haynes 18

Sr. Natalee King 34

Sr. Emma Fisher 45

Sr. Ashton West 50

Fr. Emma Owens 3

Fr. Krisha Sajnani 6

Fr. Marissa Marlowe 12

Fr. Alyssa Gibson 17

Fr. Bailee Maples 22

Fr. Campbell Nunez 32