Zion Harmon’s last basketball game during the regular season in competition was on Mar. 5, 2018 when Adair County lost to LaRue County in the 5th Region semi-finals. Following months of waiting on word whether he would be eligible to play for Marshall County after being ruled ineligible by the KHSAA on Oct. 16, Harmon was finally back on the court at Marshall County Friday, but not suited up with the Marshals.
Ranked as one of the nation’s top point guards in the Class of 2021, Harmon will finish out the season with Bella Vista, a prep school out of Scottsdale, Arizona which will not affect his eligibility for next season under the KHSAA. He officially becomes eligible on Mar. 5 and will remain a student at Marshall County High School.
When asked about his long-anticipated return Friday following Bella Vista’s 112-80 win over Life Christian, Virginia, Harmon said. “It felt a little funny at first because I haven’t played in so long, but right away I was back into my element”.
Harmon added he was happy that his first game back was on the floor at Marshall County, especially with the team he has joined saying, “We’ve got good shooters, good bigs…it’s a good fit.”
Harmon said he appreciated the support from the students and crowd. Bella Vista Coach Colm Reid sent Harmon into the game a couple of minutes in, to cheers from the crowd and his first two points of this season came on free throws followed by two 3-pointers just 35 seconds apart.
His return to the court showed how much effort he has continued to put into his game, despite the lack of competitive time. Harmon earned Most Valuable Player with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.