CRAWFORD | Kentucky's Pope scoops up high-scoring Harlan County wing Trent Noah

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Long ago, legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp used to recite a favorite Bible verse when it came to recruiting. From Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”

He was referring to his long line of players from the eastern Kentucky mountains, who brought hard-nosed excellence to some of his best Wildcat teams.

New Kentucky coach Mark Pope will take a page out of that playbook. On Wednesday, the school announced that Pope has added Trent Noah, the No. 5 scorer in state high school history, out of Harlan County.

Noah had committed to South Carolina, but asked out of that commitment earlier this week. He averaged 29.9 points per game during his senior season for Harlan County. He finished his career there with a school- and county-record 3,707 points.

BBN what’s up💙💙 pic.twitter.com/dZ3DVU9cLw
— Trent Noah (@trentnoah2_) May 8, 2024

“Trent Noah is one of the elite shooters in this class,” Pope said. “He is a tough, hard-nosed player with a special physicality. As an eastern Kentucky native, Trent will bring a grit, toughness and determination to the program that is representative of this state. We’re looking forward to Trent joining this talented group.”

Noah shot 56 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 89 percent from the free-throw line. He averaged 32.3 points per game in the state tournament, which ended in a loss to Lyon County in the championship game.

Lyon County was led by Travis Perry, the No. 1 scorer in Kentucky high school history, who also will begin his freshman year with the Wildcats this fall.

Harlan County was the first school from eastern Kentucky to reach the state finals since 2011. Noah set the Sweet 16 record by hitting 19 three-pointers in the tournament, topping Mason County’s Chris Lofton’s mark of 17 set in 2003.

The 6-foot-6 wing scored 35 points and added 10 boards in a first-round win. He followed that performance with 48 points and nine rebounds, hitting 7 of 10 threes, in a second round wins. his 48 points were the fourth-most ever scored in a Boys’ Sweet 16 game. In the semifinals, Noah scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. He had 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the championship.

His grandfather, Charles “Perky” Bryant, played football for Kentucky from 1961-63.