3rd Region Hoops— When it comes to Basketball, both GIRLS & BOYS, in Muhlenberg County, there is a GREAT & RICH Tradition. The folks of Muhlenberg County bleed Coal & Basketball & in terms of Muhlenberg County Basketball, a name that has long been affiliated with that Tradition is none other than the LEGEND, MIKE HARPER! A place put on the map nationally & even across the globe by the Famous Singer, John Prine. The famous lyrics, “Daddy Won’t You Take Me Back To Muhlenberg County..” have been heard by people from all walks of life & a song the people of Muhlenberg County take pride in. Because of the Tradition, the Respect & success of Basketball in Muhlenberg County, those same lyrics might not be something opposing teams, players and coaches have sang too happily through the years. Why? Because of that name we mentioned a minute ago.. MIKE HARPER! Undoubtedly one of the most respected coaches in the 3rd Region, Harper has seen an incredible amount of success and has led the charge, carried the torch and kept Muhlenberg County Girls Basketball as one of the more respected programs not only in the 3rd Region, but in Western Kentucky as a whole. Coach Harper has spent the last 24 seasons as Head Coach of Muhlenberg North & once Muhlenberg North & Muhlenberg South consolidated, he became the HC at Muhlenberg County. Over his tenure, Harper has won 9 3rd Region Titles, which is 2nd most in the region for ANY active Head Coach in Both Girls & Boys behind only Owensboro Catholic Boys HC Tim Riley, who has 10 total region titles. 12 district Championships &, nearly 500 career wins & became the ALL TIME Winningest Coach in 3rd Region History this past season. Basically what we’re saying is, THE MAN CAN COACH & DOES IT WELL! Harper who Graduated from Muhlenberg Central in 1982 has been around the game basically his whole life & mentions being the Starting PG at Central as a 125 pound freshman. After his playing days, Harper’s brother Ronnie, who passed away in 1995 from cancer was a major inspiration in Mikes desire to be a coach. “Ronnie made a huge impact on me as far as coaching went. He coached me in little league & Junior Pro. He also coached various teams both Basketball & Baseball from Travel Teams to Babe Ruth all the way to Legion Teams. He was also the Head Baseball Coach at Muhlenberg South. He was a great coach.” Says Coach Harper. As a sports fan, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the Wins & Losses but as everyone knows, there’s so much more to being a successful coach than just winning or losing. Coaches are expected to be an extra arm to the parents, in leading players & charging them to be great people on & off the court. Coaches, as you know are expected to be mentors. Not only has Coach Harper won a lot of games, he’s exceeded expectations as a mentor to his players as well. 1st year Muhlenberg County Athletic Director Brad Rogles had this to say – “Coach Harper has been an outstanding mentor and coach for many years in Muhlenberg County. I have known Mike for a long time but this was my first year as his AD. I had always heard the praise from his former players & staff, but being closer to the day to day operations of Mike & his team has been a rewarding experience for me. His relationship with the girls is genuine and the respect is mutual on both sides. Mike has a gift of being able to teach the game on different levels and attract players into his program. He’s an obvious winner but is also one of the most humble guys I’ve ever been around. The atmosphere he creates in practice and games is what keeps players coming back & the team competitive year in and year out. Mike is a tremendous asset to our school, community and student athletes.” Owensboro Catholic GIRLS Head Coach Michael Robertson is always quick to compliment Coach Harper in conversations we have with him about coaches he’s competed against. Robertson, when asked about Coach Harper had this to say – “Mike has been the gold standard of the 3rd Region in girls basketball for as long as I can remember. When I came in as a young coach he was always willing to help me and was always encouraging me when things weren’t going the way I’d have liked them to. How could you not listen to what he says with all the experience he has, all the success he’s had and region titles he’s won. I’ve always made it a point to take what he says, apply it to my life and grow from it. He is a great person & friend.” The Lady Aces HC jokingly added, “I have been told by people close to me, that the reason I like him so much is because he’s the one coach in the 3rd Region I’m taller than..” We also spoke with former Ohio County Lady Eagle HC and recently retired Brad Johnson, who coached a lady Eagle team that was Coach Harper & Muhlenberg North’s fierce rival & he had this to say about Mike – “True Legend and gentleman. We were fierce rivals but great friends. His teams were always ready to play, prepared to win and fight to the end. Ive never went against anyone better.” When asked who he’s learned from the most, Coach Harper says, “There’s been many coaches I’ve learned from over the years. You really never stop learning. Some veteran coaches who had an impact on me early on were Sam Sparks, Ed McCarraher & Andy Groves. So many good coaches I’ve learned from over the years and competed against. In fact, there’s too many to mention.” Mike has gained great friendships throughout his coaching career and people he say “are some of his best friends in the world and who he thinks the world of.” As with any coach who’s been around a while, a Coaching Tree is “planted” and Mike has had his fair share of assistant coaches become Head Coaches across the state, after learning & working for him. Coaches like current McLean County Girls Head Coach Ryan Groves, Murray Lady Tiger Head Coach Tom Foust, and Todd County Central Girls Head Coach Nick Suttle. Coach John Kirkpatrick also worked under Harper and went on to be a head coach before retiring from coaching. Coach Mike Harper is a Hall of Fame coach & will go down as one of the greatest coaches in the state of Kentucky. His legacy, his impact will be felt for years to come. When asked about his status in regards to retirement, Harper says he’s been Year to Year for some time now but fully intends on being on the Lady Mustang Sidelines again next season. When the day comes, that he decides to hang it up, there will be an incredibly big shoe to fill, not just in Greenville, not just in the 3rd Region but in the State of Kentucky. Appreciate, admire and enjoy the legacy of Mike Harper, the Legend from Powderly Kentucky.